#went to a step refresh and we worked on the HALF STEP

[flimango]

For the love of god.

Could we

PLEASE

Just

Work

On

Second.

Step.

Of HORNPIPE!!

[silent-sanctum]

Hi! I'm a huge fan of your Jotaro writings, it's super refreshing to see someone else interpret him the way you (we?) do :'> Anyhow! If you still have requests open, I've had an idea rolling around; Eyes of Heaven timeline, so Jotaro is still trying to balance being a father with all the Stand nonsense, but he and Jolyne's mother are just too incompatible to work as a couple. Following the divorce, he meets Stand User!Reader and the two of them occasionally work together with the Speedwagon Foundation. After some time as friends, he starts getting caught between wanting to be in a relationship again and feeling like he shouldn't get any more people involved in his life. How do you think a love confession would go down in this scenario, and what would really push him to pursue someone he likes after all that? :D

Hello anon! Thank you for being a fan of my stuff :'D I always appreciate your lovely compliments. Helps motivate me. So, this prompt you sent is actually one that has been stewing in my mind for a while now, and you pushed me to write something out of that. Thank you for that as well ^^ This took a while to make, and it's pretty lengthy (mostly because it was an idea I really liked to explore, and I had to scrap one draft because it deviated from your prompt). But here it is now! Tags include: Banter mates to lovers, mild angst, hurt/comfort, drunken confessions Anyways, I hope you like this anon. This one's for you!

Partners - Jotaro x Reader

word count: 14.9k

What comes next after knowingly resetting the timeline? The question lingered in Jotaro Kujo’s mind for as long as he knew since the event.

After a life-altering fight against an overpowered vampire, he was given the choice to go back in time to undo one mistake in his life. For him, the answer came in the form of a memory: Of a little girl not older than 7 with space buns and a bright smile that had yet to fade as a result of his neglect.

And so he stepped back in time and inserted himself in the past, and he vividly remembered the utter joy on his daughter’s face when he stepped through the door with his luggage in hand- her small arms wrapped as much as they could around him, her excited chatter, her rosy cheeks. There, he knew that this decision was worth it.

Enemy Stand users be damned.

A few months have passed since then, and a lot has happened within that time frame, mostly stemming from Jotaro’s conscious effort to right some wrongs the way he could with the help of future hindsight. Most of the said changes were how his family would move forward, starting as early as possible at the age of 28.

His priority was always his child. Jolyne was the sole reason he rewrote reality, the guilt of being the reason behind his little girl’s miserable path to delinquency and hatred, weighing heavily in his heart that pushed and yelled at him to make amends and be there for his daughter. To not throw away the second chance he was blessed with.

But unfortunately, even if he did manage to maintain the relationship he had with his daughter before he could mess it up, the same couldn’t be said for his wife… or ex-wife at this point.

Jotaro tried. He genuinely did. The day he returned to the past and back at the doorstep of Madelyn's house where Jolyne stayed, she had greeted him with the same open arms but unlike the one with his child, he couldn’t feel the heart in him to fake the same enthusiasm back, which ended up in him giving her a half-armed embrace and a small smile.

Did anything change? He married her for a reason, right? The spark must be there somewhere… All that stormed his thoughts during the entirety of his attempts to catch up with her, to make up for lost time. He went along with her on dates (just like before), accepted her displays of affection (just like before), and somewhat returned her conversations (just like before).

Eventually, he concluded that it just wasn’t working. That “spark” he felt during his younger years was simply him looking for a semblance of normalcy, and he just so happened to latch onto the first person who wasn’t checking him out or screaming into his ear on the daily. But beyond that youthful romance, whatever fire he had for this relationship had dwindled into embers.

And he had to let her know truthfully.

It wasn’t emotionally charged nor did it hold as much resentment like it was when they ended things off at an older age. This talk was more civilized, speaking from the heart about him no longer having strong feelings for Madelyn and that she’d deserve someone who reciprocated her love the same way, instead of clinging to one that barely had any charge.

Jolyne, as he would have expected, wasn’t happy at the news, but with enough explanation from both parents, she would reluctantly have to adjust to the change. After the divorce, both he and Madelyn agreed to share custody of their daughter- she would have her from Monday to Thursday, and he would have her from Friday to Sunday. Another change from the previous timeline wherein his ex-wife had full custody of her.

Here he was now- sitting alone in his seaside villa’s manor office room, reviewing stacks of research articles and reports under the dim lighting of his lamp. On his desk were two picture frames: One was the group his grandfather formed- his friends- that banded together to defeat DIO, and the other was of Jolyne. He used to keep a frame of him and his ex, but there’s no point in keeping up images anymore.

The ring finger of his left hand never felt so bare, devoid of the silver band that used to adorn it.

Jotaro put down the pen and sighed, leaning back against his office chair. He pinched the bridge of his nose and rubbed his eyes. The place outside him was so quiet that even if this was what he wished for, he may perhaps have started to get used to a little bit of chatter. The silence always fucked with him, letting his head run a million miles into unwanted memories of loss and near-death experiences.

He needed to move. He needed to do something. Anything. just to keep him busy. And in perfect timing, his office telephone rang and he answered. “Dr. Jotaro Kujo speaking.”

”Good afternoon Dr. Kujo, your presence is required at the Speedwagon Foundation for another pressing Stand user case. It’s vital that you be here as soon as possible. Reception room A.”

He looked at his calendar and stared at the current day. A Monday. At least Jolyne’s with her mother today… “I’ll be there.”

Perhaps this was his fate. This was his new life and he had to get used to it: A life of doing his professional job and investigating Stand users of all varieties, all while he returned to an empty home and an overwhelming feeling of solitude. A lonely life in exchange for everyone’s safety.

Jotaro fixed his office, filing away the papers into folders before standing and getting his keys, promptly leaving his residence and getting into his car.

The drive to the Speedwagon Foundation felt like it had gotten shorter with each visit and it was almost routine by this point from the number of times he went back and forth from the place, but before he could dwell on that thought, he arrived at the familiar establishment of the private organization.

The security greeted his arrival as per usual and he nodded once in greetings before stepping inside to the meeting room told to him.

With a twist of the knob, he opened the door expecting to be met with the same agent with his glasses and folders in hand. What he was met with was not only the aforementioned man, but a woman sitting near the head of the table, wearing a pair of sleek shades and a 2-piece black cropped suit, holding a glass of red wine.

“Greetings. You’re on time.” Jotaro nodded once to him before glancing at the newcomer casually lounging in the space they were in. “Ah yes. My apologies. I had forgotten to introduce the new member to our on-field team. She’s-”

“I can handle the introductions myself, Agent Townsend,” you said with a raise of your hand. The agent in question immediately complied, his mouth clamped shut at your words. “I believe I told you that before contacting him.”

You took one more sip from your glass before you stood and strode over to Jotaro with an unsettling mix of confidence, intensity, and neutrality to your stance. You stopped a few feet away from him and allowed a quick second of silence for him to process your sudden appearance. And even he didn’t know he needed that one second of “who are you” until you did it for him.

You took off your shades and let them hang on the collar of your button-up dress shirt, staring up at him with a smile comparable to a businesswoman offering a lucrative deal. “Pleasure meeting you, Dr. Kujo.” You held up a hand to him. “Y/N L/N.”

“Jotaro Kujo,” he said in return, shaking your hand. “Though you already knew that beforehand.”

You nodded and shoved your hands back in your pockets, turning your head to the side. Without looking, you addressed the other person in the room: “You may continue with the rest of the introductions.” You looked back at him as the agent spoke behind her.

“Y-Yes. I’ll do just that,” Townsend stammered but with a cough and a clear of his throat, his professionalism slipped back on. “She’s one of the Foundation’s top beneficiaries that has been supporting us for 4 years now. It was only 2 years ago that she decided to be an active member of the organization.”

“Slight correction,” you started. “I decided to join because apparently, this organization’s leaders refused to branch out into more progressive paths, more specifically investing in improving this whole Stand investigation business. It appears you guys are short on agents dealing with this specific issue. Alas, I’m here.”

“W-Well to be fair, we can’t exactly find willing civilians with Stands who’d join our private organization-”

“I have contacted friends who also have Stands. They’ll be finalizing some local work and they’ll inform me of their transfer to the Speedwagon Foundation. I can start figuring out how to recruit for more after their adjustment.” Townsend, once again, zipped his lips shut and nodded.

“But for now,” you redirected your words to Jotaro with a light curl to your lip. “You and I will be handling these pesky Stand users. You can thank me if, at some point, you wondered why your workload in the Foundation has been halved.”

Jotaro was at a loss for words as he remained silent, staring at the new face in front of him with disbelief and confusion. This… this wasn’t the case in the previous timeline. Where were you then? Why didn’t you volunteer your services when he needed it before? Did he do something new that he wasn’t aware of?

“You…” He started. “You’ve dealt with Stand users?”

“I wouldn’t be investing my money and time here otherwise,” you said, matter-of-fact. “Nor would I be this annoyed, again, for the executives in this place for using my funding for medical use or research purposes instead of-” You cut yourself and took a deep breath. “Whatever.”

As much as Jotaro appreciated an extra hand, he had mixed feelings about having someone else help him. Stressful as his job was, at least he got used to it and managed to finish each case independently without having to worry about anyone else’s safety.

“Mr. Townsend, with all due respect, I can handle these cases by myself,” he said. “I have no doubts she has the capabilities, but my assignments are mine to deal with.”

You cocked a brow up at him and let out a drawled “ahh”. “Afraid I might get hurt, big guy?”

“I-” His brows furrowed at that unnerving guess because that was exactly it. He kept his calm and crossed his arms. “It’s not like that.”

“Then I don’t know what other reason you possibly could have for declining assistance,” you said, crossing your arms as well. “Unless you’re that type of man.”

He scoffed. “You’re putting words in my mouth.”

“You aren’t exactly giving me clear answers either.”

Jotaro glared at his supposed new “work partner,” who stared back at him with nonchalance, unaffected. If he was 11 years younger, he might’ve called you a “bitch” out of teenage pettiness or spite. Age does wonders for his patience.

Townsend cleared his throat the second time. “I apologize, Dr. Kujo, but the higher-ups have agreed that having someone to help you in the Stand investigation might garner quicker results for our research team to study.” He adjusted his glasses and continued. “The faster the Stand users are dealt with, the less you have to worry about your family being harmed.”

His family may be his top priority, but the allies surrounding him were a close second. If anything were to happen out of the blue, and you get injured or worse- “Kujo-ssi…” His train of thought halted at your sudden shift of tone. “Like Agent Townsend said, I took up half your workload and came out unscathed. He can attest that I delivered the needed results with time to spare. Trust my words when I say I can handle it. This isn’t my first rodeo.”

Jotaro warred with himself on what to do, his hands clenched in his pant pockets.

“If it helps, Ms. L/N comes from a convenient background that has been useful in this field. A former member of law enforcement, and has extensive knowledge of criminology and criminal justice.”

In all honesty, it should, but whether you were skilled or not, he still couldn’t help but be hesitant. His old friends were skilled. They knew how to use their Stands, and he knew they were strong allies. That didn’t stop death from taking them regardless.

But just like him, you were stubborn and didn’t know how to back down. “Let’s compromise, then. Just one case, and you can decide whether we continue our partnership.”

“Why are you so adamant about teaming up with me?” He gritted his teeth.

“Efficiency,” you shrugged. “You’re quite popular in the Foundation, and I’ve learned a lot about your skill set and competencies. If we put our skills together, we can breeze past several cases in comparison to a slower, one-man expedition. Don’t deny it. You want assistance.”

“How about you learn how to mind your damn business?” Jotaro said, both frustrated at your adamant choice and embarrassed with himself, knowing deep down you were right. He wanted to spend time with his child, and this new timeline gave him the human incarnate of volition who could help him with this job.

You crossed your arms and maintained eye contact with him, unperturbed by his intimidation. “This is my business, and I think you should learn how to trust in others and reinvest in new win-win deals, hm?”

At that moment, his youthful bite sparked and it took a great amount of restraint to filter “You’re such a bitch” into “You’re so annoying” but of course, you smirked at his retort. “I’ve been told.”

“Should… should we proceed with discussing the cases?” In the background, Agent Townsend interrupted the two, uncomfortable with the tension in the room.

“I don’t agree-”

“Yes, we should,” you said at the same time he spoke. “I believe introductions are over, and we have yet to be briefed about who we’re dealing with.” You took your seat, and with no other say in this, Jotaro took his spot with irritation and an inkling of concern.

He grumbled to himself under his hat and muttered a quick “Good fucking grief…”

---

Jotaro could’ve gone to the next assignment and left the first to you, but damn you for pitching the idea of keeping the documents in your possession.

Their first assignment was to investigate an unusual pattern of events in Jacksonville. Details of the occurrence traced back to a shaggy man in his mid-20s who had a habit of moving from a cheap apartment or motel room to another, each place of residence he left now covered with corrosive acid that burned not only furniture but nearby civilians as well.

Usually, he would just go to the different sites that the Stand user had been through, sweep the area to gather anything that the person left behind, and work with what he had to track down the target. It was time-consuming and more of a brute force type of method, but it worked for him every time, so he never deviated from it.

You, on the other hand, took the more proactive approach that proved your background as a former detective.

You took note of whatever details he found in each site, and spoke with witnesses about what the guy was like and whether he shared details in any conversations. You coordinated with other professionals (SWF researchers, local officers, security personnel, medical staff, etc.) and gathered more intel to formulate a pattern in his path of trouble.

And in the span of three days, all the information led the duo to another rundown motel by the edge of the city. Jotaro refused to believe your tactics worked just for the sake of breaking connections with you, but when you reached the location, the place was in the process of being corroded by neon green acid, other residents fleeing the scene screaming for their lives, leaving behind the young man stepping through a newly corroded door with unsteady feet, patting his stuffed duffle bag.

Well, I’ll be damned. Your approach was faster. You spared him one glance that said “I told you” before heading to block the Stand user’s next path. He held back a groan and followed after you.

“Hey!” The man stopped and stared at you with surprise like a deer caught by headlights. His pupils were unnaturally dilated. He stood a couple of feet away from where you were. “Where do you think you’re going?” He shrank in on himself and was about to turn to the other direction, only for Jotaro to block that path as well.

“You have some questions to answer, Mr. Deville. I’d rather we talk it out like adults,” you said. “Or are you too high to even care?”

Deville snorted and pointed at the two. “Who do you think you are, huh?” He spat on the pavement. “Don’t you see all this? I made that! And I can show you more if you don’t move!”

“You’re not convincing anyone with that bravado, so drop the act already,” Jotaro said.

The young man looked at you with confusion before it warped into another snort and then into a series of cackles. “Oh, you really want to end up as fleshy goop! Okay! I can show you!”

Jotaro tensed as Deville reached into his bag to pull something out, Star Platinum ready to attack, only for a gunshot to ring into the air, followed by the guy shrieking in pain as a bullet lodged itself into his bicep. Stunned, Jotaro turned to you as you walked over to him, a revolver in hand, still aimed at Deville.

You had a gun? “Hey, a woman has to be prepared,” you said. If she had a gun, then does that mean she was just a regular Foundation agent without a Stand?

Deville gripped his bleeding arm and sneered at you. “You dumbfucks actually fell for it. Every cop does, and now you get to see my cool acid in action yourselves!”

He braced himself for the young man’s Stand ability, and he heard an audible hiss flying through the air behind them. Star was already out, ready to deflect the incoming acidic projectile. It’ll burn his knuckles and it’ll hurt like hell, sure, but he had experienced worse injuries.

However, before his Stand could do so, a shimmering wall of rose gold had zipped behind them just in time to shield both of them from the acid, taking no damage from the corrosive substance. Jotaro furrowed his brows and trailed the length of the fabric, and when he found its end disappearing into your body, his eyes widened in realization.

You had a Stand.

A SWF agent with not only the skills of a seasoned detective but also the ability to wield a whole supernatural entity.

Deville stepped back in shock. “N-No way. No fucking way. That’s not fair! How?!”

“Kujo,” you started. “You get close to him and knock that guy out. I’ll cover you by dealing with his Stand.” On cue, the humanoid blob Stand gurgled with displeasure as it quickly moved closer to regurgitate another spew of acid. With no second thought, Jotaro followed your instructions and took off as your Stand shielded you from the corrosion.

The culprit cursed and turned to flee in a panic. In response, his Stand redirected its attention to him. His heart raced as soon as he knew that the blob was after him, but before it could touch him, your Stand’s fabrics had already stretched forward and wrapped themselves around the slime and yanked it back and away from him.

He shouldn’t waste any more time. With a silent command, Star Platinum froze time, halting the world around him as he continued to sprint toward the fleeing Stand user.

By the time everything began to move, he was already in front of Deville. In a split second, Star delivered a solid jab and two before launching into its signature fist barrage. With the man rendered unconscious, his Stand dissolved back into the concrete.

Jotaro took in a couple of breaths after all that running and went over to make sure that the Stand user was out cold. “Ah damn. A bit of acid got on my sleeves. Ruined it.” You said with a click of your tongue as you joined him a few seconds after, pulling out a long silver pin from your hair clip. “Just one more thing before closing the case and reporting to HQ.”

“What are you doing?” You didn’t answer as you quickly punctured the side of Deville’s throat with the sharp steel. “L/N! What the hell?! We’re not supposed to kill-” You stopped him with a raised hand as you withdrew the pin. The wound closed in by itself, and at the blunt end of the steel, a feathered quill emerged.

“A druggie shouldn’t have the possession of a Stand. I highly doubt he’d listen to any persuasion if we simply brought him back to the Foundation.” You tucked the quill into your pocket and slid the hairpin back into your hair. “So, might as well nip it in the bud, and then send him to rehab.”

“What… the hell did you do?”

“You know the whole Stand Arrow business? How they gift lucky people with Stands?” You started. “A colleague of mine has a Stand that just so happened to procure a secondary ability to extract other Stands without harming the individual, and convert them into these inked quills for documentation.”

“So what you did was-”

“Remove Deville’s Stand. He’s still alive, too, so you don’t have to worry about him dying due to blood loss.”

“You… might honestly be a little insane.” Jotaro sighed, tipping his hat over his face. “My god, you can’t just stab people out of the blue. At least warn a guy.”

You shrugged. “Alright. I’ll admit… I forgot to tell you about my closing process. I offer my sincerest apologies.” He cast a deadpan stare at you. “Let’s contact the guys back in the Foundation so they can deal with him.” At that, he nodded. “And after that, how about we treat ourselves to a little celebration before heading back?”

“A celebration?” He crossed his arms. “Isn’t that a bit too excessive? Or too early? This is just the first case after all.”

“There’s no harm in giving yourself a reward for a job well done, right?” You smiled, eyes glinting. “Let’s eat out. I saw this small sandwich restaurant, and the selection looked too good to pass.”

Jotaro grunted in response and spent a second looking at his watch. He’s supposed to head back by now, hand in his report, and return to finishing paperwork from his day job as a biologist, but then his stomach growled at his inconvenience. It just occurred to him that he hadn’t eaten properly for the past three days. A bad habit he developed out of stress. Damnit. Damn it all. “Fine, but let’s freshen up first and we can eat.”

You cocked your head and look down at your dust-covered clothes then back at him. “Good idea. Let’s do that.”

---

“You’re that good with firearms?”

“I’m one of the top marksmen of my batch. It may or may not also be a compensation for my shit grade at hand-to-hand combat. How about you? You look built. I’m sure you’ve put your physique to good use.”

“You could say that. After all, one has to be in good shape when you have people consistently after you.”

“Hm, you’re quite resilient. I like that. It’s no wonder the Foundation likes sending you out here to do their bidding.”

“Being recognized as reliable is a huge pain in the ass though. It has gotten me feeling like a war veteran in my late 20s.”

“Touché, but some people get used to it. Perhaps even use it to their advantage.”

“People like you?” You smirked and took a sip of your coffee. Intrigued, he kept his focus on you as he drank his cup.

Honestly, Jotaro never expected anything to come out of your suggestion to eat at a small restaurant. At first, he envisioned the whole night to be awkward, loaded with uncomfortable tension, considering how you and he were introduced. Hell, he dreaded the moment you might start small talk with him just because they were work partners.

But after a change of clothes, both of you entered the sandwich shop, and you immediately accommodated him as if he were an old colleague for months instead of days, which caught him off guard.

The moment you and he took your seats, you made sure to keep the mood light by naturally launching into conversation topics that he was familiar with- Stands, the Speedwagon Foundation, a couple of experiences working for them, etc. He’s supposed to hate casual conversation like this, but there was something in the way you talked with passion and depth, and how you responded to his thoughts with equal depth that kept him engaged.

It was a breath of fresh air when most of his life consisted of him having to be mostly the receiving end of a variety of small talks (most of which had people talk about their interests and something adjacent to that, while he could only give off some sign that he was listening), or be the other half of a formal discussion at work.

He didn’t mind being a listener, but it did get annoying and lonely sometimes.

You were a rare case when he realized that he reciprocated your every thought and opinion about Stand users and the system behind the Foundation. For once, he wasn’t hesitant when voicing out his frustrations and knowledge about this whole shadow job he got himself into.

Even as your sandwiches arrived, you somehow still managed to slip in interesting topics for them to talk about over dinner and coffee. He liked listening to you.

“Huh. So, you live something like a double life, sort of? You work as a marine biologist on the daily and as the Foundation’s favorite agent for half a week?” He nodded. “Don’t you have any spare time in that tight schedule? You must’ve.”

“I’d rather keep myself busy,” he said, not looking at you. “It helps distract me from… my thoughts. Besides, both jobs require me to work full time, and, fortunately, I’m able to use intimidation to just get by and do the tasks I want to focus on.”

“As a fellow workaholic, you should at least get some time to yourself. Work with no play can lead to misery.”

“Is it?” He huffed out a poor imitation of a chuckle, empty and a tiny bit self-deprecating. “It isn’t exactly miserable when I don’t think it to be.”

“My god,” You stared at him, dumbfounded. “That’s… masochistic.” You cocked your head. “Yeah, no. I am sure I'm going to drag your ass with me to my food stops after every assignment.” He scoffed but wasn’t completely against it.

Once sandwiches were consumed, Jotaro couldn’t help but share that observation about you. “Can I just say… You do know your way of getting people to pay attention to you. It’s also remarkable you kept finding new things to talk about to someone who initially didn’t want your help.”

“First impressions are not supposed to be a judge of character.” You dabbed your lips free from any sauce and shrugged. “I’ve learned how to build rapport over the years, and from that, I don’t see why I have to keep up any hostility around you.” You smiled.

At that reply, Jotaro paused. There were a lot of things he didn’t expect from you. He was ready to just bear a night of sass and passive-aggression and go home before his ex could drop off Jolyne into his care. And yet, here he was sitting in front of a surprisingly accommodating, sharpshooter SWF agent with a Stand, wanting to listen to more of your ramblings.

With a clear of your throat, you switched back to work mode and said, “Now we had our fill, I believe we still have 2 more cases to investigate. None of which has a set deadline so we can be flexible with the scheduling.” He nodded. “Are you down to starting the second case the day after tomorrow?”

Jotaro shook his head. “I have to watch over my kid for the next 3 days. That and I have to do some work with my day job.”

You raised a brow. “You have a kid?”

“A daughter. She’s just 7, and I’ve been wanting to spend more time with her when I can.” While she still accepted and trusted her father, that is…

“I assume you hire a babysitter when you’re out and about doing work?”

“She’s with her mother,” he said. He should stop revealing more information about himself, but being with someone willing to listen to him in return had urged him to just continue spilling them out. “I arranged all the heavier aspects of work on the days she’s with her, so when she’s with me, I can attend to her more.”

You didn’t answer for a second, choosing your words right most likely, before you spoke. “Shared custody?” His eyes lowered to his plate and nodded. “With your… ex?”

There was that hesitation before the “ex”, a side of you that didn’t want to assume, but you weren’t wrong, so he replied with a curt “Yes.”

“I see,” you hummed. “Well, I don’t see a problem with postponing duties. We can deal with our next assignment on Monday, then.”

“You’re easily swayed. Aren’t you supposed to be all about dealing with the issue as early as possible?”

“Like I said, there are no deadlines set. I don’t see why I have to be an asshole about ruining your schedule.” He had nothing to say, but he was grateful for your understanding. He looked at his watch to check the time. 8:00 PM. There was still a little bit of time before they’d temporarily part ways.

Jotaro low-key hoped you noticed the spare time and waited for you to enter into another conversation, but to his disappointment, you stood and got your things in order. “It’s getting late, and I know you’re itching to go home and rest.” No… I don’t mind staying a little longer… He kept those words to himself and just stared at you with a slight furrow of his brow.

“I have other matters to tend to, so let’s call it a night, yeah?” She smiled at him. He swallowed his feelings and masked nonchalance as he stood after you with his hands in his pockets, nodding. “Doesn’t feel all that bad having assistance now, does it?”

He huffed. “I suppose the whole ‘having a work partner’ doesn’t seem too bad…”

“Then, is it safe to assume I’ll expect to meet up with you again next week for our next case, Kujo? She raised a hand to him.

A ghost of a smile graced his lips as he shook your hand. He can’t wait to talk to you again. “Yes. I’m looking forward to it.”

---

“And that’s how the life of a beluga whale plays out…”

The little girl sitting on his lap pouted and looked up at her father, taking the storybook from his hands and furrowing her brows, “But Papa, how come Benny had to leave his pod at the end? Why not make friends with Blubber?”

He petted her hair with a low hum. “That’s just how nature works with species like belugas. Sometimes, there will be times when other animals are not that trusting and will hesitate to accept strangers into the group. This leads to the two fighting, and whoever wins gets to be in the group.”

“That’s so sad…”

“Did… did you want to hear a better story? I’m sorry I picked this-”

“No! I did like the story, Papa! Just like the stories of Ollie Orca and Penny Penguin! I learned a lot about the squishies!” Jolyne exclaimed, dropping the book to turn to him and press his cheeks together. “You make learning about sea animals nice!”

Jotaro smiled and nodded with a hint of bashfulness, his daughter’s encouragement never failing to make his day better. “I’m glad to hear that.”

Night had dawned on the father and daughter duo rather fast without either realizing. It took the ending of Benny Beluga for the child to realize that it was her bedtime and another day with her dad had gone by. Jotaro never felt confident in his parenting skills, but from the way her eyes glimmered at him and her smile widened with every laughter, he could almost feel proud that his efforts were coming to fruition.

Jolyne was her father’s little girl and she always made sure to remind him of that.

“Alright. You know what time it is,” he said as Star Platinum lifted the pouting girl off his lap and tucked her into bed. For Jolyne, she was used to the invisible ghost friend her father had and treated Star as her guardian angel. “Lights out, kiddo…”

“Will you stay up overnight again?” He offered a small smile and nodded. “But you always work overnight… you’re gonna get sick.”

“It’s fine, Jolyne. Papa’s used to it now.”

“But you look very sad when I see you working,” she muttered with a pout, gripping her blanket close to her. “I don’t like you being so sad…”

“I’m not. Trust me,” he said half-heartedly. He didn’t want to dump his adult issues onto his young daughter. Star handed her dolphin plushie and he adjusted the sheets over his daughter. “I’m feeling fine. You don’t have to worry about your old man because you’re here to make my day…”

“But what if I’m not here?” Jolyne pouted. “Who’s going to make you happy?

He averted his eyes and stared at his hand, still holding onto her blanket. He won’t admit it, but he could feel the loneliness start to drive him crazy. “I can manage those days.”

“Are you sure you don’t want Mama to come back and help you?”

He nodded once. “I’m sure and… I’m sorry…” Jolyne didn’t answer after that and settled into her pillow, hugging her stuffed toy, slightly saddened. He reached down to give her one more head ruffle and stood. “Get some sleep now. I’ll make your favorite breakfast when you wake up.”

“If not Mama… then can it be anyone else? I won’t mind… I swear…” He paused and looked back at his little girl, half-asleep. “I don’t want Papa to be alone…”

His heart clenched at her words. For his child to be open to him finding another partner just so she wouldn’t have to see or imagine his tired, overworked father alone, did a lot of emotional damage to his psyche, and made it hurt even more knowing that he had sacrificed this amount of love from his daughter in the old timeline.

“I have you and that’s enough for me…” Jotaro knelt one more time by her bedside and kissed the top of her head. “Don’t worry too much…”

At this point, Jolyne had already fallen asleep. He smiled and fixed her bangs before standing and leaving the room as quietly as possible.

---

A few months flew by, and working with you was probably one of the better decisions he reconsidered in his lifetime.

What felt like a slog to get through almost turned into a breeze with your added help. You proved to him countless times that tracking and catching criminals and suspects was your specialty. That your skills and methods worked well with his- his keen observation skills with your intuition, his grounded assumptions applied to your tight networking, his close combat prowess with your sharpshooter aim, his powerful Star Platinum paired with your impenetrable Silent Sanctuary.

Going with this rate, when 10 cases would take several months to accomplish, were finished within at least 5.

Outside of work, he surprisingly grew to like your rather no-filter, sharp attitude when he shouldn’t. It was never explicitly shared, but it was safe to say that you two grew to become close friends.

You automatically settled into a natural dynamic where he would more often follow after you while you were doing your own thing. When you had something in mind, he was there to lend an ear, and sometimes an opinion. There never was a quiet day when he was with you, and for the first time in a while, he didn’t mind the endless chatter you had. They piqued his interest, and you always had food or drink on the table whenever you had your tangents.

Then, to his unfortunate realization, he found out that all the traits you had that irked him in the beginning… were attractive. It wasn’t that the feeling brewed overnight. The moments of him stuck in his office after an assignment had left him mulling over a series of consistent interactions with the shameless agent, and how all of it wormed its way into his brain like a temptation.

Your authority and assertiveness:

”Care to answer why you chose to break the rule of ‘no stalking’?”

The former Stand user, tied up and heavily bruised, whimpered under the scrutiny of your gaze. His case involved having a Stand that was able to make him incorporeal, and with such an ability, he had multiple instances of stalking and harassing young women. But now, Jotaro doubted he would do any more harm, considering his Stand was extracted and he was under your intense interrogation.

The two victims stood behind Jotaro while everything unfolded before them and the eyes of law enforcement. “I-I didn’t mean- I only wanted- I mean- I should have-”

You grabbed a fistful of his hair and spat directly at his face, “Stop crying and talk properly, you degenerate.” You tilted your head and tugged at the strands of his hair. “Let me repeat myself in a more literal manner: What made you think it was alright to torment and stalk these ladies with such perversion?”

”I-I just wanted affection!”

Jotaro gritted his teeth and clenched his fists at the cheap excuse, more so when the girls behind him still cowered. You harshly let him go and made it clear you were not buying it either. “Pathetic. And knowing you’re married too?” You showed the man his silver ring. “You disgust me, and your wife should be too.”

One of the officers who arrived on the scene butted in. “We can take over from here-”

”No, the hell you’re not,” you snapped at him. “Not with you having the audacity to take your sweet time after these ladies have called for help. My partner and I will be dropping him off at the station ourselves and making sure he stays behind bars.”

”Now hold on. You dare speak to an officer of the law like that-”

”Girls, did I hear right that you said the cops usually disregard your calls and even heard them scoff through the phone?” You addressed the two women standing behind Jotaro, who nodded frantically. “And that he usually just lets creeps like him go for some reason?”

”We had to! There’s not enough evidence-”

”There are security cameras in the areas they went and people who saw it happen. You couldn’t go over the footage or ask anyone around? You couldn’t recognize a repeated pattern after many calls? Couldn’t you do your job better?” The cop fell silent. “Exactly. Like I said, I’ll be making sure he gets his due. I don’t care if I have to talk to your superiors, because I will if it means giving these ladies peace of mind.”

The officer bristled and turned to Jotaro. “What the hell are you doing just standing there like a bystander and letting your partner talk shit to us. You ignorant or what?”

He couldn’t care less getting berated out of the blue since it was stupid, but then, ”Hey!” You butted in, and his heart might have skipped a pulse. ”You don’t get to talk shit to him when I'm the one talking while he did nothing wrong.”

You pulled the tied man up to his wobbly legs and strode to the officers, staring them down as you shoved the man in the direction of your car. “Officer of the law,” you scoffed. “Earn your title first before flaunting it to my face just to get paid. A disgrace is what you are.” Again, the cops said nothing and avoided eye contact with you, cheeks slightly tinted with embarrassment.

Your care and protectiveness:

”You can be so reckless at times, you know that, right?”

”These aren’t that bad. I’ve dealt with worse…”

”The fuck do you mean ‘not that bad’?! You’re blood’s actively still soaking most of your clothes!”

Another case had been resolved involving a woman with a blade-based Stand. The whole investigation could’ve been better if she wasn’t neurotic and thought that everyone around her should bend to her whims. The encounter, in general, was nothing too unique in how she utilized her Stand to attack.

That didn’t stop her from landing a few deep gashes on his body when she managed to separate you from him momentarily.

But just like any other Stand encounter, he had the same pain tolerance from when he was younger and just brushed off his injuries as yet another common recurrence in his life. Even if, at times, said wounds would cause him to collapse and faint from blood loss.

And yet here you were, making sure he wouldn’t let him have another near-death experience by having him propped up against the headboard of a motel’s bed, and stripping him off his torn white coat and shirt, ripping it in some areas, if necessary. Despite feeling like he could pass out at any point, his cheeks warmed, almost feeling… shy as you exposed his skin and tended to his injuries with urgency and your classic intensity.

”You’re worrying too much. I said I’m fi-” You hissed at him, the sharp sound clamping his mouth shut immediately.

”You better stop downplaying your wounds or I might just leave you to die.” He was about to speak, only for him to wince from reflex as you poured streams of water on the large gash on his torso and the laceration up his arm. “Honestly, with the way you’re going about this, I think I’m growing more concerned you’re finding these injuries normal than the actual injuries themselves.”

Jotaro shrugged, looking elsewhere. “It is what it is. I got used to it… I even learned how to perform first aid by myself on the spot.”

”Shit,” you cocked your head with furrowed brows, your hands still cleaning his cuts with careful touches. With it still bleeding, you had Sanctuary lend her fabric to wrap around his gashes. “You call me insane, but I think you’re just as insane as I, but in a different way.”

At that, he let out an empty chuckle that sounded like a half-hearted scoff. “I don’t think resilience should be compared to being a bull in a china shop- ah!” He shut his eyes and yelped as your Stand tightened its cloth around his cuts, effectively preventing even more blood loss.

”I’m not that aggressive! Nor am I that brutish!” You said, and even with narrowed eyes, “At least say I’m like a rabid cat wrecking all her owner’s porcelain. At least I’d still look classy as I wreak havoc…” Jotaro looked down at you, and he could see your lips purse into a pout as you monitored his wounds. He could feel his lips curl into a smile. Cute… Wait.

”But that’s beside the point,” you huffed, removing your Stand’s fabrics and unfurling a roll of bandages to properly dress his gashes. “What I’m saying is that you might need further help if you’ve been this desensitized to severe wounds like these.”

”Oh? Suddenly, you’re a psychology expert?”

”No… but,” you gazed into his eyes as you tightened the bandages until it’s firmly secure, your hands holding his waist. “I am your partner. And partners look out for each other if they’re going to be together for the long run. And I’ll be damned to hell if I’m going to pretend you’re invincible or some other bullshit like that.”

Jotaro couldn’t say anything after that, speechless. If anything, his breath turned shaky when he could feel the rapid beat of his heart thumping in his chest as a swirl of emotions bubbled to the surface. “I am your partner”. He didn’t know why that struck a chord in him, but those words had formed a lump in his throat and a slight blur in his vision, even if he knew you meant it as work partners.

God, he wanted to hear that so bad…

You got up with a heavy sigh after his wounds were dressed and pulled the sheets over his abdomen. “Let’s rest here for the night and head back to HQ tomorrow. I’ll take the couch and…” You rubbed your arms from the chill and picked up his ruined coat, still stained with red. “Make your clothing still useful, I guess.”

”Don’t be stupid. The bed’s big enough for two,” he said, smoothing over the empty spot beside him. “And no, I don’t need all the space for a good night’s sleep even if I’m injured or a big person.”

You widened your eyes and spluttered with a hint of a blush on your cheeks, “You serious? I didn’t peg you to be a bed sharer, Kujo.”

The more you resisted, the more his cheeks warmed from embarrassment. He averted his gaze, turning flustered. “I’m just being practical. It’s a big bed designed for two. Might as well make use of it instead of toughing it out with my tattered coat as a blanket…” There was an awkward silence between you. “My god, just get in the damn bed already. It’s fine.”

You ended up under the covers with him, lying apart from each other. However, instead of facing away as they would’ve expected, Jotaro couldn’t help but face you, and you did the same, neither falling asleep. “Hey…” He hummed in acknowledgment. “When we’re together like this, I want you to promise me one thing…”

”… What is it?”

”Promise me you won’t hide your pains from me again. You have to tell me so I can do what I can to help you…”

He paused, his hand closing slightly from where it rested on the pillow. “And what if you can’t?”

You closed your eyes and muttered. “I’ll figure something out, but I’m not going to leave you to rot… that’s the least I can do…"

Jotaro pressed his cheek on his pillow and nodded once, his heart swelling with emotions. “Okay…”

He groaned and rubbed his face behind his hands, cheeks heating up significantly, more so remembering the day after. He couldn’t forget the second he had woken up, he found himself huddled close to you, both bodies curled against each other to bask in each other’s warmth.

What was he doing? This was dumb. He shouldn’t be thinking about this when he’s made peace with himself about being alone, and you had better things to do than to accommodate his tired ass. But at the same time, he couldn’t help but want more from the dynamic you and he had.

“Papa!” Jotaro snapped out of his thoughts and turned to look at Jolyne clutching his pants, looking up at him. “You’re in your deep thinking head mode again.”

“Oh… am I now?”

“Yeah! Your eyebrows do that thing where it gets close and it looks like you’re angry, but you’re not. That type- Like this!” She demonstrated by doing an exaggerated furrow of her brow, mimicking him. “You always do that.”

“Your Papa just has a lot of things going on in his mind, alright?” He stood and ruffled her hair. “It’s dinner time. Want to help me and Star in the kitchen? We’re making one of your favorites.” Of course, she already knew that. He always made her favorite meals when she was with him.

Jolyne beamed and nodded excitedly, her fists clenched and eager. “Which one?!”

“Which do you think?”

She hummed and said the first thing on her mind. “Ramen! The one in the big bowl!”

Jotaro cocked his brow as the duo stepped into the kitchen. “Again? Didn’t I make that for you last night?” He said that, but he had already opened the cupboard to grab the flour needed for the noodles. “You know, eating the same stuff over and over again isn’t good for you.”

“But it’s yummy!” Jolyne whined, bouncing on her feet with her hands on the countertop. “And Mama always cooks the same stuff all the time…”

“Are you saying her cooking’s bad?”

“No… It’s not bad… I just like Papa’s cooking better!” He chuckled as he gathered the ingredients together. Perhaps tolerating his mother’s cooking lessons throughout his younger years paid off.

But before he could start, the home phone rang. Jotaro furrowed his brows and placed down the pork. What the hell? I shouldn’t be receiving new assignments during my weekends. He walked over and lifted the phone to his ear. “Dr. Kujo speaking.”

He listened to the speaker, and his heart started to grow heavy. “Fuck. Again? Another emergency at the facility? Can’t you call someone else?” Jolyne watches on from the background, her face already despondent when she picks up on her father’s conflicted expression. “I can’t just leave my child by herself. I’m watching her. I’m cooking her dinner for god’s sake.”

I shouldn’t be working on my weekends. Damn it. “You swear this won’t take long?”

I don’t want to leave my daughter again. Not this time. “Fine. I’m going home as soon as this problem is dealt with. Don’t bother requesting my assistance again after.” He places the phone back down.

“Are you going back to work again…?” She muttered, gaze turning downcast to her hands fidgeting with the green onions. “I really wanted to play chef with you and Star again…”

Jotaro swallowed the rising guilt in his throat and approached his daughter, kneeling before her and taking her hands in his. “This won’t be one of my heavier duties. It won’t take long. It’ll only be for a few hours. I promise.”

Jolyne pressed her lips together, willing herself not to cry because she was a big girl now. “B-But what about dinner? You were supposed to make dinner with me…”

“I know. I’ll make it up to you tomorrow.” He looked at the nearby wall clock and cursed to himself. A babysitter was an immediate solution that came to mind, but he saw his fair share of those people, and he refused to put his only child under the supervision of some teenager who’s only in it for the pay, especially for parents as wealthy as him. Calling his ex was also out of the question. It just made him uncomfortable.

Leaving only one person in mind, though he doubted it would work out.

It took him by surprise when 30 minutes after he sent the text, of him trying to figure out alternative solutions, the doorbell rang. He opened the door, and you were there to greet him casually. “Hey. You have impeccable timing to text me just as I was finishing up my meeting with my company’s human resources committee. Hope I didn’t take too long.”

I thought you were too busy even to bother, but you came… “No, you didn’t.” He stepped aside for you to enter.

Jotaro watched you look around the house. “The Foundation wasn’t kidding when they said the Joestars had money.” You set your bag on one of the couches in his living room. “Spacious, a mix of modern West and traditional Eastern design, and I can imagine it must be scenic when it’s daytime, having it by the sea. It sets a nice ambiance for your home,” you said. “I like your style.”

His cheeks flushed at the compliment. “It was mostly thanks to my mother. I don’t pay too much attention to that kind of detail.” He shrugged. “My daughter loves it though, so I’m glad that worked out in the end.”

“Oh! Speaking of your daughter, where is she? May I get to know her?”

Jotaro nodded and left for the kitchen to bring his 7-year-old girl to you. She wasn’t the type to be shy around strangers, and to you, she merely tilted her head and stared at you with curious eyes before looking back at him, confused. “Y/N, this is Jolyne. Jolyne, this is my work partner Y/N.”

You squatted down to level with the child and smiled. “Why hello, Jolyne. It’s nice meeting you.” Jolyne watched her with wide eyes, never once breaking eye contact, even as you offered her a hand to shake. “I heard you’re quite adventurous. I feel like you and I will get along just fine.” She grabbed your hand with both of hers.

“Y/N will watch over you while I’m out,” Jotaro said, petting the little girl’s head. “Try not to cause too much trouble, alright?” Jolyne furrowed her brows and bit her lip, still upset that he had to leave, but she nodded reluctantly. He patted her shoulder twice before standing to prepare.

He sighed and went to retrieve his bag and car keys. “I appreciate you coming over. I owe you one…”

“We can talk about that when you get back. You handle your business first,” you said.

He nodded once. “Alright. I won’t take long.”

---

You saw him off as he drove to work and closed the door behind you. “Okay. Let’s see…,” You muttered to yourself. “It’s dinner, so I should deal with that first.”

Stepping into the kitchen, Jolyne sat on one of the island stools, holding onto the box of flour among the many other ingredients on the counter. She caught you staring and waited for what you had planned. “Planned to cook with your dad, huh?” She nodded. You rolled up your sleeves and approached the counter. “What was on the menu?”

“… Ramen,” she muttered. “I was supposed to help him make a big bowl, but he’s back working late again…”

“Well, we can still make that big bowl of ramen if you want.” Jolyne looked up at you with wide eyes as you examined each ingredient your partner had left. “Of course, it won’t be on par with your dad’s recipe, but I promise mine won’t be too bad. Is that fine with you, young lady?”

Jolyne puffed her cheeks and hummed, giving it a thought. She pouted and crossed her arms. “It’s fine because I’m hungry.”

Aside from the given ingredients, you looked in the cabinets and fridge to check what else was there to use. “Your dad stocked up a lot of food,” you commented as you took in the number of produce, meat selections, and spices in his kitchen.

“Mhm! Papa said it’s all for me!” Jolyne exclaimed. “He always makes sure to have plenty of food for when we cook together with Star!”

You smiled at the thought of this big, scary man preparing meals for his energetic little girl, with a bulky purple ghost helping him out. “That does sound lovely. Say,” You plucked a couple more ingredients from the fridge. “Would you like me to prepare some side dishes to go with your ramen?”

She tilted her head. “Won’t that take too long?”

“We can multitask together, Jolyne,” you said with a cheeky smile. “Because like your dad, I also have a friend who can help us with dinner.”

Jolyne’s eyes sparkled. “You do?!”

To show off to the little girl, you had your Stand simultaneously grab several items, utensils, and equipment with its many fabrics and let them hover around her. If you could recall correctly, to his daughter, Stands were invisible, so all she saw now were floating objects. She watched them fly about with childlike awe, her smile wide and infectious.

You chuckled and went over to the aprons you found hanging on the wall. “Ready to make a delicious bowl of ramen?” You handed her the smaller apron, and with renewed enthusiasm, she nodded with a determined smirk.

Over time, you two hustled and bustled around the kitchen, helping one another to put together a savory meal for both of you. While you did more of the heavier parts of the cooking, you taught and supervised the child with the lighter ones, and she was more than eager to listen, happy to just be involved. Silent Sanctuary assisted in handing you and Jolyne what was next in the recipe.

Of course, you weren’t one to make the scene settle into awkward silence. With a similar approach you used on Jotaro, you opened up a conversation topic that might trigger the young girl to start sharing her interests. At first, you talked about her favorites while preparing to simmer the broth and braise the pork belly. By the time you began plating the dish, it was Jolyne’s turn to open up about your work and what you did.

You entertained her questions and kept the conversation light and digestible for a child when talking about your job that involved catching bad guys with her father, all while you proceeded to do the side dishes next. She listened to your many stories with full interest, butting in at times to fire a multitude of questions.

By the time everything was done, Jolyne was more than happy to chow down on her dinner. And you watched the little girl scarf down your meal, making a mess on the table and on her face. You shook your head with fond amusement, grabbing a tissue to wipe everything down. “Well? How do you like my recipe?��

With stuffed cheeks, Jolyne spoke with glimmering eyes. “Yummy! Just as yummy as Papa’s!”

“That’s good to hear. If your father asks me to watch over you again, I can show you more dishes that taste like the ramen we made. Sounds good?” She nodded vigorously.

After swallowing, she wanted to talk more about your profession. “So, you mean the bad guys also have invisible friends to help them do all that bad stuff?”

You hummed in agreement. “That’s why your father and I have to work so hard to fight these people. Because getting rid of them makes the world feel safer for innocent civilians like you.”

“I want to be like you and Papa when I grow up!” Jolyne mimicked a boxer’s stance and jabbed the air once. Twice. Thrice. “It also sounds fun! I want to kick their butts and show them who’s boss!”

“Fighting these bad guys isn’t a game, Jolyne.” You grabbed another tissue to wipe her cheeks. “They’re dangerous and can cause big wounds. I may not mind it that much, but your father hates dealing with them because it’s that tiring.”

She puffed her cheeks again and furrowed her brows, her spirited determination flaring once more. “Then… I want to help him! I want to learn how to fight and help Papa so it’s not tiring!”

“Well,” You chuckled. “If you’re older and able to have a ghost friend to help you fight, then you can find me and I can take you under my wing and help you with that.”

The little girl widened her eyes and smiled widely. “Really?!”

“You have potential, young lady. With enough experience and exposure, I have no doubts you can do so much not only for yourself but for your father as well.” You huffed. “But then again, that’s only when you have a ghost friend. So, I can’t guarantee it would happen.”

“I’ll find a way!”

You smiled. “Of course you will.”

The rest of the evening was spent with the two engrossed in a non-stop conversation about each other’s lives. When Jotaro had told her that his daughter was too much of a curious kid, he wasn’t exaggerating. While watching her favorite shows and taking care of her, Jolyne would begin to open up more and more, wanting to know more about her father’s colleague and the job you and he found yourselves in.

She was a sweet child with a soul that yearned to explore the world, and you admired the young girl’s youthful energy. It wasn’t long until you grew fond of her, wishing nothing more than to help her reach her dreams and guide her along the way.

Likewise, Jolyne would grow a liking for you. You knew how to make delicious food, you were invested in her many ramblings, never once annoyed by the number of questions she’d ask, and she found you cool and fun to be with in general. And when you said about potentially returning to babysit her, she’d rather want you than some other babysitter.

Eventually, the night would come to a close, and you tucked Jolyne to bed after telling her one of your bedtime stories from memory, handing her favorite plush toy and drawing the sheet over her. “Do you sleep with the lamp on or off?”

“On…”

“Okay,” You said, gently brushing her hair. “Get some sleep. I’m sure your father will be here to make you breakfast when you wake up.”

“Can… you marry my Papa?”

You froze, your cheeks heating up as she muttered those words in her sleepy trance. “Huh?”

“Papa’s sad… when I’m not here… I don’t want him to be sad…”

You thought back to the times you spent with him post-case, where it was supposed to be two colleagues taking the load off their shoulders and unwind with a simple talk, and in the midst of all your talk with him, there was a consistent pattern of Jotaro purposely making his day job and personal life vague, often dismisses it even if the topic wasn’t being intrusive.

It wasn’t out of character for this man to do his work diligently, but there was something in the way he spoke about himself that sounded…defeated? Like he gave up on something he wanted when he was younger. You picked up on this, and his child did as well.

And as much as it shouldn’t be your problem, you just couldn’t find it in yourself to let your work partner wallow in self-imposed suffering.

But for Jolyne to ask a suggestion so casually caused you to reflect on yourself and your feelings towards your colleague. Was this whole support each other supposed to just be an obligation as partners? Or did you actually feel something for him? You had a genuine interest in the guy, found his subtle mannerisms and underlying values endearing, the times when he did smile and chuckle at your words sparked pride and joy in your conscience…

“I am your partner.” You had said that to him, and in the moment, you hadn’t thought too much of it, but in retrospect, you found out how that sounded more intimate than it should have. Just like the time he had offered to share the bed with you in the guise of practicality.

You turned back to Jolyne, who had fallen asleep during the entirety of your introspection, and sighed.

“We’ll see how all this will turn out, little one…”

---

One night. One night of undesirable circumstances was all that was needed to get some answers from him.

You finished yet another investigation and took him out to a quaint, rustic bar not too far from their target’s location. There weren’t many people occupying the area, except for the handful of loyal patrons and nomadic tourists who were in for exploring niche places. After battling with another non-compliant Stand user, both of you needed some peace of quiet.

The bartender stepped in to slide you both glasses and placed a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon red wine and a Jack Daniel’s whiskey for Jotaro. “I assume you can handle your liquor well, hm?”

He made a low sound as he poured himself a drink. “I’ve been making sure to dial down my alcohol nowadays and stick to caffeine. But… I did like beer during my youth.” He sighed. “Tonight? I just had to… pour myself one for now…” He took a shot.

You nodded, pouring for yourself as well. “During your youth, huh? Are we talking early 20s? Or I-hit-18-and-I’m-legal-to-drink-now age?”

Despite the tiredness in his eyes, his lips quirked up into a slight smirk. “A year before that…”

“Underage drinking?” You cocked a brow and sipped your drink. “How bold of you. Got curious?”

“Not really. It was mostly an act,” he said as he poured another shot. “I was a teenager. I had to look cool and so… did some rebellious crap that I stopped once I graduated: Be an asshole, smoke cigarettes, and drink beer to show off. That stuff…”

“You must have been a pain to everyone around you in your rebel days, huh?”

He kept his gaze on his glass and replied, “In a way, I still am.”

Your chest had a minor pang at that, but you kept that to yourself and held your head in your hand and looked at him, dubious. “Mm, doesn’t seem like it. Sure, you still got that menacing vibe around you, still stoic obviously, but in all honesty, you’re not all bad. You seemed mellowed out and definitely a better person than I.”

He scoffed and took another shot. “Shut it with the flattery.”

“It’s called a compliment, Kujo. Offering flattery isn’t in my dictionary,” you replied in that playful tone you’d use. “Here I thought you knew me already.”

“Oh? Was I supposed to study you, L/N?” You shrugged as you finished your first glass. “Are you implying that I should start analyzing my colleagues now?”

“Keep your friends close. Your enemies closer.”

“You’re not my enemy.”

You stared at him with mischief. “I might. You never know.”

He paused for a moment, and for the first time today, Jotaro huffed out a soft laugh. “Cheeky, but fine.” He shot another glass. “Since you’re so goddamn persistent, I’ll play your game.”

And it all snowballed from there. Unlike most instances of you being the instigator of your conversations, he was the one who asked the questions. You told your answers and hurled the question back at him. From one question would stem many more, and both of you would lose yourself in a night of GTKY and alcohol.

It hadn’t occurred to you immediately, but you hadn’t noticed that hours had passed until the bartender told you they were closing in 15 minutes. On your side of the counter was an empty bottle of red wine, and on his side were 2 empty Jack Daniel’s.

Jotaro leaned heavily on his elbow, holding his head that was on the verge of dropping face-first onto the counter. You furrowed your brows and lightly nudged his shoulder. “Hey, are you doing okay?” You always thought he could handle his alcohol just as you could, but his sluggish movements combined with the flushed cheeks told you otherwise.

“Okay?” He scoffed, smiling bitterly behind his hand. “Hardly. None of what I’m doing feels okay. Can’t even drink damn alcohol now. I’m just getting tired of it…”

“Oh my god, you’re drunk.” He shook his head, slurring something about how he wasn’t and he was just sleepy. You thanked the bartender for his services and stood to approach your colleague. “Alright, big guy. Let’s get you back to your place.”

You managed to get a good grasp on his arm and, with some effort, not crumble to the floor as you hauled him off the bar stool and on unsteady feet. His arm remained slung over your shoulders, his head lolling to the side and hanging low. “I need you to cooperate with me here.”

“Why bother helping me?” He said, groggily. “I can go home by myself…”

“Ahuh. Sure, you can.” You fumbled around in his pockets until you fished out his car keys. “I’m driving, though.”

You half-dragged Jotaro out of the bar and out onto the sidewalk where his car was parked nearby. He stumbled along with you, often wobbling to the side and occasionally pulling you with him due to his weight. He continued to slur out complaints and proclamations about how he was fine, that he just felt sleepy, and he could drive fine.

“Don’t be stupid, Kujo. You gulped down more whiskey than you intended. You’re drunk and I’m not.” You heaved and readjusted his arm around your shoulder. “It’s obvious who should be behind the wheel tonight.”

“I can do everything by myself!” He said, his muddled voice rising with tired frustration. “I’ve always handled my shit alone! Leave me!”

You sighed. “We’ve talked about this months ago. No backing out of an agreement now.”

“I don’t want to burden you…” You stopped in your tracks and turned to him. His head still hung low, cheeks flushed red. “All this Stand bullshit is all his fault. All my fault. I should fix it. I need to fix it…”

“Hey…”

Jotaro raised his head to look at you with squinted eyes and tight brows. “And I don’t know how. Isn’t that a fucking joke?” He laughed an empty laugh, his head leaning heavily on your shoulder. “My successes and for what? More stress? More attention? More ruined relationships? I can’t even be with my own daughter properly without my day job draining all my spare time down the drain.”

“And who needs friends when they all just leave and die in the end?” You stayed silent as he continued, his ironic chuckles now bordering on despairing sobs. Not quite on the latter yet, but even then… it still hurts to hear. He pressed his cheek to your shoulder and smiled at you with dull, wet eyes. “You chose to be with me and now tell me- when will you leave for greater things, or better yet… when will you die, hm? ‘Cause I’ll still be here, just ready to soak up all these bullshit feelings.”

Despite the uncharacteristically excessive and pessimistic talk, you knew there was no insult to his drunken speech. You knew what you were capable of, and your Stand’s primary ability prevented you from suffering any injury, and Jotaro knew that too. He wouldn’t have agreed to continue partnering with you.

When will you leave? When will you die? It was as if he was already bracing himself for the inevitable to lessen the pain. To expect the worst so he wouldn’t get his hopes up and get hurt when it comes.

He lazily pulled his head away from your shoulder and hung it low again. “Now, if you really want eff… effa… efficiency, you should just ditch me… and work on other projects-”

“Shut up and get in the car.” You didn’t know when you started walking while he continued to ramble into the night, but you did and found yourself standing beside his car. You opened the passenger’s door and nudged him to get in.

“I can-” You hissed at him, and he nodded. “Okay…” He begrudgingly stepped into the vehicle, bumping his head a little by accident on the car roof, and you closed it after he settled in. You walked around, entered the driver’s seat, started the ignition, and drove off.

The road back to his place was silent. You chose to keep the radio silent, thinking it might just irritate him. Throughout the trip, he remained slumped on the car door, half-asleep and the other half gazing out the window to watch the world pass by them under the evening sky.

Once you arrived, you parked the car accordingly and got off. You made quick work pulling the drunken man out of the passenger’s seat and dragging his ass through his front door. Struggling to get both your shoes off was one thing; getting him up the stairs was another challenge in itself. Eventually, you managed to reach his bedroom and dropped him onto the sheets. He went down easily enough like a toppled, semi-conscious tree log.

You exhaled a sigh of relief that you got to deliver him back to his room in one piece, but you didn’t know what to do next. Should you just leave him be? Or make sure he was comfortable enough? He groaned and used whatever energy he had left to rub his eyes, grimacing from how shitty he must be feeling.

Next thing you knew, you had already made up your mind. You rearranged his body and limbs so he lay properly with his head on the pillow and his feet on the foot of the bed. You paused in your caregiving and took a seat on the edge, sparing a few seconds to just watch him.

Jotaro might as well be already asleep by the time you get him on the pillows. You didn’t know the exact details of what you thought, but there was something about how he seemed more vulnerable when he was in his slumber. There was no trace of that stoicism he always had on, nor any of the more focused or sharp aspects that made him professional.

Instead, in his vulnerability, there was the defeat- his relaxed brows, the shadows under his eyes, the sad tilt of his lip, the subtle glint of a tear or two in his lashes. “How much did you have to suffer…? Since 17?” Your heart ached for the man whose life changed for the worse, where his attempts to make it seem normal just didn’t work. “You never wanted to be a part of this, huh?”

Without realizing it, you reached forward to brush aside the short curls off his forehead. “If you’d let me, I’d take over most if not all of your cases. Use the time for yourself.” He furrowed his brows and leaned his head into your hand. With a newfound sense of worry, you softly pet his hair. “You don’t have to shoulder everything on your own…”

Of course, he was asleep. He couldn’t have heard you. And he was still in his work clothes, which must be uncomfortable to sleep in. You leaned forward to lift his upper body so you could take off his white coat. And you did just that and pulled him up to lean him against you.

However, as you pulled the coat down to his biceps, you stiffened as his arms encircled you in a warm embrace, and his face buried itself on your shoulder. “K-Kujo! What are you-”

“You… mean that…?” He mumbled. “You’d… help me… that much?”

Your eyes softened. “When have I ever lied?”

“We’re partners… who got each other’s backs…” He gently tightened his arms around you and nuzzled closer to your neck, needing comfort. “Being your partner… was the best decision I ever made… in this new life…”

The tension in your body left, leaving only an immense amount of empathy and fondness for him. You returned his hug with a hand around his back, and the other cradling his head. He sighed shakily at the reciprocation. “I’m sorry… for being selfish… but… please…” He whispered. “Don’t leave me… alone…”

“I won’t…” You pressed your cheek on his and held him tighter, combing through his curls. “You know I won’t…”

As if he were reassured, his arms dropped limp onto the sheets, and his breathing evened out. You glanced down at him and confirmed that he had passed out. You returned to your task and pulled the coat off his body, and with that done, you eased him back on the sheets, got him comfortable, and drew the duvet over him.

“You’re lucky I like you,” you said under your breath. “Otherwise, I would’ve just dropped you off and left. You know that, right?” Jotaro remained asleep, turning his head slightly to the side. You contemplated what to do next as you kept watching over him, idly petting his hair.

An idea struck, and it was an impulsive one. But you already said you liked him. Was it that impulsive? What’s this going to matter anyway?

You stood and bent down, getting close to face. You gently cupped his cheek and thumbed the skin before leaning down to press a soft kiss on his forehead. He didn’t respond, obviously, but your heart did. Once you slowly withdrew, your heartbeat thundered in your chest, and your cheeks significantly grew three times warmer.

A hushed curse fled your lips. “Oh my god, what am I doing?” You stepped back and walked over to his drawers to find the nearest pen and paper. Keeping it short with a few words, you left the note on his nightstand before taking your leave and letting him rest.

Something came to mind just then. At that, you glanced one more time at him before heading out to do one more thing for him when he wakes tomorrow, already getting the pen and paper for a new note.

---

Jotaro woke up to a splitting headache.

Other than catching the Stand user red-handed and going out with you on one of your dine-outs, he could not for the life of him recall what happened last night. One moment he’s invested in talking with you on the topic of shorelines, and the next, he’s sitting upright on his bed in the same clothes with a throbbing head.

But it occurred to him that you were also there to witness whatever the fuck he had done during his lapse of memory. He held his face, groaning as his cheeks warmed at the thought of your fellow no-nonsense colleague watching him act out without inhibition.

“Good fucking grief…” He tossed his legs over the edge of the bed, and before he could stand, the savory aroma that wafted into his nose and the neon yellow sticky note standing out on his nightstand grabbed his attention. Looking over at it, the note was stuck onto a covered bowl of… soup? Sitting beside it was a spoon and a bottle of water.

He plucked the paper off the lid and read:

Rise and shine, lightweight!

I’ll have you know you were heavy as hell when I dragged you back here.

And no, you didn’t embarrass yourself in front of me. That’s if “being cute and sleepy” isn’t embarrassing.

Anyway, I left some hangover soup and something to hydrate yourself with. Just heat it when you wake.

I’ll drop by sometime tomorrow for updates, but in the meantime, take the time to freshen up.

Y/N

That warmth in his face intensified after reading it, setting the note aside and holding his face with both hands. “Cute and sleepy…” He scoffed. I shouldn’t have drunk that much whiskey. Never drink with others again, Kujo. Stick to caffeine.

Jotaro reached for the bowl and uncovered the lid, revealing a nicely made homemade beef broth soup. Even though the contents had turned lukewarm from being left overnight, it still smelled good. He grabbed the spoon and took a sip of the dish, and a soft moan was made.

Damn. It tasted good too, and to think that you made this for him? Jotaro’s cheeks would remain heated throughout breakfast.

He got into his morning routine right after he finished heating the soup and consuming all of it in a few minutes. He brushed, showered, got into new clothes, and stepped into his office to accomplish some pending tasks yet to finish for the upcoming research program.

Though he couldn’t fully focus on his work when all he could think about was not only the headache mildly being a nuisance, but also you.

He lost count of how many times he’d stopped writing or typing the second his brain flashed him a memory of you smiling at that bar, chuckling at an unintentional one-line he uttered with the faint blush on your cheeks, or you caging his bigger body against the wall earlier that day to protect him from an incoming projectile, or when you gazed at him under the dim moonlight of that motel room as you lay beside him on that bed-

He put down his pen for the nth time and leaned back on his chair, palming his heated face in frustration. It didn’t help that his heart would start to run a marathon at the mere thought of your snarky and unbothered banters, your face that had the right amount of audacity, and the number of your genuine caregiving gestures that never failed to set the butterflies in his stomach aflutter. “I am your partner.”

And you planned to visit him again within the day. How the hell is he supposed to compose himself when his feelings for you have gone awry?

With the devil’s timing, the doorbell rang in the middle of his attempt to get himself together. He schooled himself into nonchalance and headed to the front door, bracing for whatever physiological effect his body would brew at the sight of you on his doorstep.

Jotaro opened the door, and you greeted him with that smile that bordered on a smirk and a small wave. “Hey,” The butterflies flew wildly almost immediately, and his chest was on the verge of bursting. Yet his face remained neutral, save for the faint blush on his cheeks.

“L/N… You’re here.”

“I did say I’ll be dropping by today,” you said as you pulled out three folders from behind your back. “With updates. Remember? Unless you completely missed my note, then surprise! We have updates.”

“No. I got your note… and the soup.” He opened the door wider and stepped aside. “We should discuss this inside.”

You nodded and took off your shoes before entering his home. “By the way, how’s the hangover? Was it as bad as I assumed?”

He followed you into the dining room, tipping his hat over his face. “It’s nothing new, but it’s painful as hell. I can still feel it until now,” Jotaro grumbled and continued with heated cheeks. “But the soup helped… if that’s what you wanted to hear.”

“Just as I thought. I brought you a hangover relief drink to help with the lingering aches.” You placed the folders on the dining table and pulled out a small glass bottle with white and orange labeling from your bag. “This is newly imported, by the way. So, the effects should be at their best.”

Jotaro swallowed and nodded, reaching over to get it off your hand without looking at you for long. He gestured for you to take a seat, and out of the many empty seats, you settled for the one that was adjacent to him. To be fair, it wasn’t that close to him, but it was the nearest.

He fixed you a serving of the tea he had left in his cabinet, and you began detailing all the progress notes the Foundation had sent about the caught Stand users and their Stands- From how they reacted when they woke up in confinement, to present user background, down to what their choice was moving forward after being apprehended.

Unfortunately for Jotaro, he was still hung up on his newfound realization that he felt some way or another toward you like a dam of denial and denseness had been demolished. While he did listen to every piece of information you said, he’d chalked up half of his attention to the way you spoke with dedicated professionalism and the way your eyes glinted and lips smirked whenever you were pleased sharing a piece of intel.

His body’s physiological state is going haywire yet again, and his head throbbed. He uncapped the hangover cure and drank the tonic in a feeble attempt to distract himself from the irritating ache and his thoughts. And if it couldn’t get any worse, he drank too fast and ended up choking in front of you.

“Woah, hey now. You okay?”

Jotaro coughed behind his hand and nodded, waving a hand to dismiss your concerns. “F-Fine. Just choked is all.”

You chuckled and closed the folder to set aside. “Maybe slow down when drinking any other beverage that’s not water. That technique always helps prevent another choking episode.”

His cheeks flared. “I know that. I’m not stupid, L/N,” he said and cleared his throat. “I was… busy thinking.”

“Busy thinking?” You smirked, leaning on your elbow with your head in your hand. “Or distracted with something else?” Jotaro glared at you and grumbled to himself. “About last night, perhaps?” That… and the many other things about you. None of that was said, but did he even have to when you already knew?

At his self-imposed frustration and bashfulness, your teasing smirk softened into a smile. “Believe me when I say you didn’t do anything stupid last night. Well, to me at least. If anything, I felt privileged when you showed me a window into who the man responsible for DIO’s defeat was. A sneak peek into who Jotaro Kujo is now.”

He remained silent, watching you with a somewhat touched expression on his face. “And I found that brief moment of vulnerability fascinating and worth knowing.” His heart raced a million miles per hour the more you shared your thoughts. The playful gleam was still in your eyes when you continued. “There was nothing to be ashamed of.”

“I…You…” Jotaro was at a loss for words. What could he say? You telling him this was enough for him to shy away from your gaze in a mess of tinted cheeks. He’s aware of what he needs behind the walls of nonchalance and outward strength, and for you to learn said needs because of several shots of whiskey?

It was almost overwhelming. “You were never meant to know all that. They’re just… wishful thoughts.”

“And what if I said I can help make those thoughts real?”

He paused and stared at you with surprise. “What… what do you mean?”

“Let me rephrase that.” You sipped the warm tea and set it down, your smile still on. “I’ve said we’re work partners, and that we should always have each other’s backs, through thick and thin. Even if we met under ordinary circumstances unrelated to work, I think I’d still hold the same sentiment toward you.”

“Your reservation and stoicism can be frustrating, yes. But looking past that,” You swirled the half-full cup and tilted your head to him. “You are a delight to be with, in all your subtle acts of service, sudden bouts of humor, and fierce loyalty to those you hold dear.”

“What are you trying to say?”

“I like you, Jotaro Kujo, and if you allow it, I’d want to get to know you more.”

His eyes widened. All air had left his lungs from your casual confession, blood rushing to his cheeks as every organ in his body went into ecstatic overdrive.

He genuinely had nothing to say, stunned to silence. He had spent the entire morning- no, the past few months battling with his feelings about whether to act on his pining toward you, or toss it away so you wouldn’t feel obligated to tolerate the dangers that came from being with him.

Every moment of overthinking, insecurity, and unwarranted pining… washed away with that simple sentence.

At his lack of response, you chuckled. “Cat got your tongue?”

“I… ah…”

“Here… let’s put it this way then. How about, for one time, I take you out somewhere nice for dinner? Then you can decide if you want to continue our partnership,” you said, just like the first time he had met you. “Sound good?”

“Good grief. Here I thought I’d be the one initiating, but…” From the depths of his heart, his lips curled into a smile, and he softly laughed behind his hand. “Always the professional, even when asking me out on a date, huh?”

You laughed with him, a faint pink tint blooming in your cheeks. “Old habits die hard. You don’t seem to mind though.”

He shook his head. “No… I don’t.”

You held out a hand to him, your palm open for him to hold. “Well? I’m still waiting.”

Jotaro looked at your hand for a minute. There were still parts of his mind that kept whispering to him about being a burden to you and how he’d only be led to more suffering when the inevitable threats would strike you down. But your determined eyes and the passionate fire held within them responded to his anxieties with a firm:

“I can handle it. Trust me and I’ll protect us.”

At that, he huffed and smiled as he reached forward to hold your hand, his chest surprisingly light. “I didn’t regret accepting to be your colleague. I don’t think I’ll regret this either.”

“Then…” You smiled and gently held his hand with both of yours. “I’m looking forward to being your partner, Jotaro.”

He returned the sentiment with a smile and nodded once. “Likewise, Y/N.”

[unknowntoyou2205]

Diamonds sister pt 2

Y/n groaned as she heard her bedroom door open. After last nights events y/n had spent half the night tossing and turning, unable to get a certain blonde gentleman out of her head. Her mum and sister had thrown questions at her on the ride home and the excitement between them hadn’t gone unnoticed. The excitement the young girl herself felt was also apparent, but y/n refused to show it in fear that it may be thrown back at her.

“Good morning Miss, are you ready to get ready for the day?” Her handmaid smiled.

“Yes I am. Is everyone ready for our visitors today?”

“Yes the chef has prepared sweet treats and tea for this afternoon. They shall not be disappointed.”

“Good.” Y/n smiled, optimistic about today’s agenda.

Y/n opted for y/f/c dress with detail on the shoulder before heading down the stairs to the drawing room where her mother and sister were already sitting, working on their embroidery. Y/n never cared for embroidery, so instead opted to take out her drawing pad, deciding to draw the garden view as she waited for todays visitors. It wasn’t long before the door opened, and Anthony and Benedict arrived in the room.

“Your up early.” Violet stated to her sons with slight dismay.

“Are we the first ones here, how lovely.” Anthony stated, grabbing a biscuit before sitting beside Daphne.

“Perhaps you should make use of your time elsewhere.” Their mother stated.

“I believe y/n would like me to stay, right y/n.” Benedict stated, thinking their usual antics would start.

Y/n went to reply when the door opened once again, and y/ns handmaid opened the door. Violet stood up in anticipation when a figure came close behind her.

Violet watched in awe as her daughter allowed the prince to guide her to a seat away from prying ears. Daphne couldn’t help the smile that spread on her face, despite wanting to advance on the prince herself. Y/n only turned back briefly to smile at them before turning her attention to the prince as he accepted the lemonade from the handmaid and offered one to her. She nodded her head in thanks before taking a delicate sip.

“A visitor for Miss Bridgerton.” The woman spoke out and the figure stepped into the room.

“Price Fredrich, good afternoon.” Violet nodded, indicating for her children to stand up to greet him.

“Your highness.” Daphne stated as she curtsied and bowed her head.

“Good afternoon Lady Bridgerton, I have come to call on one of your daughters.”

“And which one may that be.” Anthony called from his position.

“Miss y/n.” The royal stated, looking at the second oldest daughter of the family.

“I believe you should like to go Benedict.” Y/n muttered to her brother.

“I believe I should most certainly like to stay,” Benedict replied quickly, not taking his eyes off the prince in front of them.

“Now Benedict.” Y/n stated to him before stepping towards the prince with her mother.

“Can I offer you some light refreshment?” Violet asked their visitor as Benedict left the room.

“I would love some. Perhaps some lemonade, and for miss Bridgerton?” Fredrich looked at y/n, expecting an answer.

“The same please.” Y/n spoke with a smile, before accepting the princes outstretched hand.

The two sat in silence, enjoying each other’s company under the watchful gaze of her family. A smile remained on each of their faces before the door opened once again and miss came through.

“So, what do you like to do, tell me more about you?” Fredrich smiled, leaning closer to the girl in front of him to listen.

“Well, I like to draw, I find you can capture anything with a pencil and page. I suppose that’s not a typical hobby of a woman but I find it so refreshing that I could just draw for hours, often with my dear brother Benedict.” Y/n stated, smiling fondly.

“I admire that. Would you be close with your siblings?” Frendrich asked, taking a sip of his drink.

“Yes I like to think that we are. I enjoy being with my youngest two, Hyacinth and Gregory, there so sweet. Do you have any siblings yourself?” Y/n asked, intrigued to learn more about her suitor.

“Unfortunately I am an only child, but I hope to have my own family someday, possibly many. Do you want children some day?” The blonde man asked the woman in front of him, not missing how her smile disappeared to sadness.

“I would love to have my own but the thoughts of having them terrify me after what my dear Mama went through with Hyacinth.” Y/n spoke sadly, remembering the screams of her mother and how she family nearly became orphans.

“I am sorry I asked.” Prince Frendrich stated, placing a hand on y/n’s in comfort.

“It’s ok. Maybe with the right guy I will have my dream, and my fear may be placed at ease.” Y/n stated, her mouth twitching with a smile.

“Perhaps, I may be that guy.” The prince dared to say, moving a hand under y/n’s chin to move her head up.

“Perhaps.” Y/n spoke, smiling at the thought.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Another visitor, for Miss Bridgerton.” This time she looked at Daphne and y/n sighed, knowing the time with the prince had come to an end.

“Perhaps we shall pomegrade tomorrow.” Prince Fredrich offered, wanting to spend more time with the Bridgerton in front of her.

“I would like that.” Y/n announced, nodding her head in agreement.

“Until tomorrow.” Prince Fredrich took y/n’s hand and brought it up, kissing it delicately.

“Until tomorrow.” y/n smiled shyly, watching as the prince moved to say his goodbyes to her mother and brother.

The following days followed with y/n and Fredrich spending many hours together. Benedict had taken it upon himself  to escort his sister to these meetings, despite his sisters disagreement, and the prince was starting to grow on him. Seeing how his sister smiled around thig guy made Benedict realize that maybe his sister meeting with this guy wasn’t a bad idea. The relationship between brother and sister were remarkable, but Benedict would be willing to leave the prince be if it made y/n happy. And it would appear that he made y/n very happy.

Y/n had found herself falling for the royal she had been spending so much time with these past few weeks. Each ball lead to a new dance, and each day lead to a new Pomerado around, getting to know each other more and more. The more time spent with the prince, the more y/n thought that maybe he could be the one. Maybe he was the one she would marry and make her feel safe and secure with herself, much like her father had been for her mother. And the prince, well, he was seeing the Bridgerton girl in a new light.

Today was no different. Y/n had arrived back from a boat ride with the prince ,and was now in a carriage towards the ball of the night, one that was being held by the her sister. Since Daphnes marriage things had been a spiral of emotions for the Bridgerton family, yet the giddiness that y/n felt for tonight was something that did not go unnoticed. Violet watched her daughter with happiness as she glowed. With Daphne now engaged to the duke, Violet hoped that maybe there would be another love story for the Bridgerton family.

The carriage came to a stop and y/n allowed her mother to get out before she herself stood up and exited the carriage. Looking at the entrance in awe, she couldn’t help but smile as she seen the familiar blonde hair standing with the Queen at the back of the hall. Smiles were exchanged as the prince caught sight of the Bridgerton clan walking into the ball, and took no time to start making her way down to them. Ignoring the mothers and daughters who swarmed him, he made his way over to y/n and nodded his head in greeting as the mother daughter duo turned to face him.

Y/n smiled at the Prince as they prepared to dance. Allowing the royal to lead her around the floor, y/n couldn’t help the slight giggle that came out of her mouth. Her giggle made the prince in turn smile as he twirled his dance partner around.

“Good evening ladies, I hope you are well.” He spoke to the two.

“Good evening your highness. We are very well.” Violet spoke for the two of them as they curtsied to him.

“Would it be too much to ask for a dance with your lovely daughter.” He asked, offering his hand out out to y/n.

“Please enjoy.” Violet confirmed, watching with pride as the prince kissed her daughters hand before leading her to the floor.

“Perhaps there may be another Bridgerton wedding in the horising.” Simon spoke beside his mother in law.

“One can only hope.” Violet stated, hoping the best would come for her daughter.

The prince stepped away from her and fiddled with his pocket before bringing out a small velvet box. Y/n watched in shock as the attention of others became apparent. Violet grabbed bEnedicts arm as she watched with hope.

“I hope you are enjoying your night.” Prince Fredrich stated as they danced around the room. Her back to his chest.

“Very much.” Y/n nodded.

“Y/n, I hope I am not overstepping when I say but, I enjoy our time together.”

“I enjoy our time together too.” Y/n smiled.

“And I hope you wouldn’t be opposed to spending more time together.” The prince asked, twirling her around once more.

“I was hoping we would.” Y/n smiled, glancing over her shoulder at him.

“Perhaps you would do me the honour of spending the rest of our time on this earth together.” The prince asked, causing y/n to look at him in shock.

“Your highness, what are you saying.” Y/n asked, turning to him as the music stopped.

Unable to hold her excitement, Violet rushed towards her daughter and pulled her into a hug.

“Y/n Bridgerton, would you do me the honour of becoming my princess, my wife.” Fredrich asked, opening the box to show a ring held delicately with a small coushin.

“I would love to.” Y/n spoke happily, allowing him to pull her in a hug.

----------------------------------------------------

“You are to be married dearest.” Violet stated, and y/n smiled excitedly.

“I got it mama, I got my dream.”

“We better watch out with royalty in our house.” Benedict teased causing y/n to chock in tears.

The wedding was everything y/n could of ever dreamed off. Prince Fredrich wanted the day to be everything his bride had ever imagined, and went above and beyond to make sure her dreams became a reality. It was fit for a princess, which was what Miss y/n Bridgerton would now be called. Violet was beaming for joy as she watched her second daughter walk down the aisle with her second oldest. Benedict couldn’t help the smile on his face as he walked his sister to her new family, having cried after y/n had asked him to step in what should have been their fathers job. Daphne held her husbands arm in delight watching her twin get married. The Queen herself couldn’t help but show a slight smile, even if only for a brief second.

The night itself was magical and fit for royalty. Y/n danced with her husband under the night stars, outside in the Queens garden. United as one, y/n couldn’t wait to live her newfound life. Princess y/n of Prussia, dawning a ring that belonged to her majesty the Queen on her finger, vowed to spend entirely with her new love, the prince of Prussia.

[notevenhayleyhart]

Red Lipstick - Yandere!Batfam X RichGirl

Preview: With a hectic morning, Nell wanted to clean her horse and find serenity in the outdoors. The party still clinging to her skin, she's happy to feel refreshed. Only there are new revelations in her brother's worries to be found out. Not to mention a turn of events involving a certain billionaire that is going to require her to step far from her comfort zone.

Work Count: 4.3K

Pov: Penelope MorningStar

Chapter Two:

I stabbed my butter knife into the cream cheese, slathering it on the everything bagel, freshly toasted. The smell of eggs and freshly cooked pancakes lingered in the air. Mom always liked to go all out whenever we shared meals, considering the family was more split up in recent years, with my older siblings going to college. 

It was a rare Monday where we all had nothing to do (hence why we went to the party. Why go to something like that and have school or work to wake up early to?? That's disgusting). I was grateful school was out due to the flooding in the bathrooms. How did it get so bad as to cancel the whole day? 

Not my issue.  

I sat on a stool, plate on the counter. Taking a big bite, I sighed. “Heavenly.” 

My Mom raised a brow. “Is that all you're going to eat?” 

I eyed the large spread she made, shaking my head. “Temping. But yeah.”

Prince kicked my chair, “me and Nell are eating light,  we've got a lot of work to do with the horses.” Pacifica walked in, the screen door slamming shut behind her (it was a nice day, AC who?), hands flipping through the mail. Prince raised a brow at her tensed brows. “What's got you worked up?”

I already knew that the worst thing to say within seconds of the words leaving his idiotic mouth. I slapped his arm and mentally prepared for the outburst. 

Pacifica slammed down the mail. 

“Hm, this is more than usual.” Mom picked them up, sifting through them. Pacifica was fuming, hands on her hips, barely holding back. I sank further into my seat, taking another bite. “Nice envelopes to . . .” my mother's voice trailed. “Weird, I told your dad to send all the company mail to his office. Home is the time for relaxing, not catching up on-”

“It's not for his work!” Pacifica's cheeks were burning red. “This is all those two’s fault!”

Mom was not having it; hissing, she slapped Pacifica's arm with the thick stack. “We don't raise voices.”

Prince was holding back laughter. But I knew better. 

“Mom, open them.” Her face was growing more tomato-like by the second. 

She sighed softly, but tore open the first envelope. Inside was a brief letter. As she read under her breath, she slowly began going faster as the letter progressed. To the point where her eyes only skimmed the words. 

“Why the hell are you getting a marriage proposal from the son of a judge?”

“There's also the son of a senator, bank owner, ceo, and the daughter of a nearby city's mayor!” 

Prince couldn't hold it back anymore, bursting out into laughter. 

Pacifica was seconds away from pouncing. 

I tried to settle the piece. “On the bright side, the people want you!”

“This isn't how I wanted this to happen!”

Prince rolled his eyes and waved around a half-eaten pancake. “You lost the bet, so we had to find a way to embrace you. Listen to Nell, this is a good thing, once a prank—now your chance at love.”

Our Mom put the envelopes back on the counter, the Mom look contorting her face. “And what was this bet that made you sabotage your sister?”

“Does it count as sabotage when it turned out so well . . ?”

“Fair point,” I noted. 

The Mom look washed over her and we both snapped to attention. Prince resigning. “Fine, fine. Pacifica said she would be able to down a whole glass of wine in one go. Nell said she couldn't.”

“Which she didn't.”

“And the conditions were that we’d embarrass her if she didn't.”

“And she didn't.”

Mom cut me a glare and I turned away. 

Pacifica has calmed down a fraction, but that didn’t extinguish the fire behind her eyes. “Embarrassing me meant doing something weird or cringe. Not going up onto the stage and putting me on the spot like that!”

Prince met her fiery gaze and matched it. “Well then, maybe you should’ve thought about the conditions before you agreed. Or I don't know—be able to do the things you say you can. No one likes a show off, dear sister.”

“Well, I mean . . .” I took the final bite of my bagel and wiped my hands on a polka dot napkin. I swallowed before I said, “it makes up for what we did to Prince on his 18th birthday.”

That shut the others up and I took that as a win. I licked my lips of crumbs and walked to the front door. “Thank you for the food, Mom!”

She waved a dismissive hand, “you kids don't have enough of an appetite. I'm gonna have to give it to the neighbor's kids. They put skin on their bones.”

“You coming, Prince?” I said whilst I swung the screen door open. 

The dumbfounded boy, who was blinking at the ai,r suddenly sat straighter. Like a robot, he went out onto the porch with me. Slipping on my muddy rubber boots, I resisted a smile when I saw his shudder. 

He said something like “so many birds.” Shaking the thoughts away, he slapped his cheeks and got himself into gear. His usual smile is a little smaller but still there when he turned to me. “Are you ready to see Applejack?”

“Like nothing else.”

Making our way to the stalls, I first saw my horse in all her perfect glory. Like the My Little Pony Applejack, my Applejack has a blond coat that shone just right when you washed her. Which is what we came here to do. 

I haven't spent time quietly with her in a good second. Senior swamped me with college applications and figuring out just what I wanted out of my future. 

There would be time for that crap later. 

For now . . . 

She harrumphed and nuzzled her snout into the neck. I laughed and petted her. “Good to see you too, girl.”

Prince and I split ways to get the little tasks done faster. He went to get the warm water, and I did my chores. 

I refilled the food and water for all five of our horses. Yeah, we each had our own horses. I got mine on my 14th birthday. We were not loaded yet, but my parents value the outdoors so much that they managed to make it work. So here AppleJack stood in all her glory. 

Being here and away from all that yesterday was a good reset. 

It felt silly, yet I couldn't help it. 

We haven't been to social events in a while, we rarely engage in anything to do with our wealth. But that party felt filthy. Like there was a muck in the air that clung and sank into my pores. 

When we got home and I scrubbed my skin raw in the shower, it felt like the air wouldn't leave me. Circling my head like a thunder cloud. 

When it was my turn to lose a bet, I was forced to play the piano in front of all those people. It wasn't embarrassing. But it did go against my values. I don't necessarily like the people in that room. Why should I perform for some ungrateful nepo babies? It wasn't worth it. 

Though it also went against my values to not honor my word. 

So I played. 

I was met with applause when I was done. But it felt sterile. As fake as anything else there. 

They met me individually, congratulating me on my playing. Urging me to play for them at parties. A few even go as far as to offer me playing opportunities in the city's big classical music theaters. 

God, I sound like one of them. What kind of ungrateful fool turns down such opportunities? 

I remember the night in full, and I stick further behind my decision. 

There was a glint in their eyes. They never just looked at me, instead, their eyes managed to travel to the whole of my family. Most didn't even know my damn name! That's lame as hell, I wouldn't belittle my playing to their level. 

They wanted to get to know us. They didn't want to hear me playing. All those slimy people wanted to get closer to my father, the MorningStar name since it has come to mean so much. 

I didn't see these people in the audience of this area's little theater when I was 10. Our family was broke, meant nothing to them. 

All that fake attention couldn't have been further from how I wanted my pianist career to play out. 

My eyes caught Prince peeking his head into the stable. Blond hair obscuring his hazel eyes. 

Taking that as my cue, I took Applejack's bit and led her outside. She would get to be the first clean girl of the day. Prince took her and I went back inside to get his horse . . . Shadowblade. Yeah, he got his horse when he was 13. Edgy is the thing amongst teenage boys. I call the poor friesian horse Blade for short. 

Getting to work scrubbing was no issue. It's something I’ve done in all  of the three years I’ve had Applejack. She’d be shiny and proper in moments. 

What I did have an issue with—was Prince giving me looks in between scrubbing. 

Catching him in the act did nothing to deter him.

When I was washing her mane, scrubbing and getting my nails in there—I sighed and decided I didn't want to play his guessing games. 

“What?”

“What what?”

“Don't ‘what’ me, I asked first.”

His lips pursed, hands never stopping and gaze never looking up. He was oddly fixated on the task of cleaning Shadowblade. “I was waiting for you to say something first.”

I sighed again, more dramatically. “With you looking at me, I'm pretty sure you want to say something first.”

He looked up, only to cut me a sharp look and look down seconds later. “Touche.”

I urged him on. “So?”

“So . . ?”

“What is it that you wanted to say!” I found it harder to believe with every passing day that this man was older than me.

“Right, right.” That's when he took the time to stop scrubbing and meet my eyes. 

Something settled in the air, not exactly serious but also not light, either. 

“Did something seem off to you about last night?”

“What wasn't off? It felt like we were in the Hunger Games Capitol.”

He shook his head. “No, it felt like we were being watched by someone in particular.”

I shed the smartassness I wanted to reply with and instead leaned into what he was implying. “Honestly, I felt it too. I felt it when we walked in.” We weren't talking about the stares from the people in the crowd. But certain eyes, one that delivered a heavy stare and made my skin crawl. “It's sorta hard to describe, thinking back on it.”

“Exactly,” he nodded his head. “I felt it when I was on the stage. But that was it. That was all I needed to hate it.”

I felt it far more. When we entered, when I was on stage, and when I was playing the piano. The look didn't contribute to the muck of the night, but it did leave me guessing and feeling off. 

“Who do you think it was?”

“I don't know, but I plan to figure it out.”

Using a hose, I got the suds and soap off of Applejack. “Who would've known that would unsettle you of all people.”

“Nah, unsettle isn't the right word.” He went quiet for a second. He was in college, but my brother wasn't very bright when it came to words. Prince snapped his fingers. “Bewildered.”

“The fuck you pull that from-“

“I mean, it makes sense! I didn’t feel weirded out by the gaze, but it was for sure there and I didn’t know what to do with it. It was just so deep and weighty, it was too much to process, especially when I couldn't pin the source.”

“Right.” I felt my heart skip a beat. “And not to mention, before you can even gouge it it was like it was gone the next second!”

“Right!” 

“Right!” 

“Right!” Pacifica said. Her sudden appearance turned both our heads to her titled one. “What are we right about?”

Prince didn’t miss a beat. “The weird looks we got last night.”

“Oh that!” She waved a hand. “Hold on, let me get Stella, but boy, do I have news. Some other shit went down that night, not that Nell over here noticed.” Stella Maxwell, like the famous model. 

Me and my brother shook our heads. I put out there, “maybe it was all psychological.”

“You think?” He gave her a deadpanned look. 

“I mean, we hate social events and all that jazz that comes with it. Maybe the tension just got to us?”

He hummed, took to rinsing off his horse. “Suppose so . . .” He looked to Shadowblade and furrowed his brows. “Hey, did you see the conditioner in the stables?”

“You were supposed to bring it out, dipshit.”

“Well I didn't, dickhead. Go get it.”

I raised a brow and looked to Pacifica making her entrance. “Can you believe this guy? Thinking I'll get the conditioner for him.”

She looked at Prince and they both gave each other a look I didn't catch. Since when was I unable to decipher their glances? They’ve always been a little closer given their close ages. But seriously? 

Pacifica waved her hand, “just go get it.”

I looked between the two of them. “What the-”

“Go,” Pacifica’s tone was tight. 

Ah, they wanted me gone. What the hell was that about? We always talked about everything together. The three of us, the MorningStar trio is what they called us at Dad’s office. 

A duo, perhaps?

I narrowed my eyes on them. 

But I'd have to pry later. 

Whatever it was, by the look they were giving each other, they needed this moment. 

Fine, whatever. I won't be the annoying little sister. 

I can take a hint! 

Taking off faster than was probably necessary, I stormed away. Kicking off my boots at the porch. 

“Hey,” my Mom said from the kitchen table, hands dirty with her latest sculpture she was working on. Looked like an elephant.

“Hey.”

I grabbed the damn conditioner from the bathroom cabinet and was about to storm back outside, but stopped myself before I could walk through the door. 

I forced myself to take a few breaths. Come on, your mama raised you better than this. Giving my cheeks a firm pat, I sat myself down on the kitchen counter. It's been nearly an hour since I was there munching on my bagel. 

If they needed to talk about something important, it wouldn't be done in less than a minute. Must've been real good if they had to shoo me away.

My eyes landed on the mail still sitting on the counter. All the dishes and food from breakfast were long ago cleared. What caught my attention wasn't exactly the letters professing their love for my sister. It was the magazine under all of it. How did I miss its all too bright cover before?

More so, how the hell did I miss the picture of me and my family on the front cover?! 

“Mom!” I lunged for the paper and gave the cover a wide-eyed stare. “Did you see this?!”

“I’m sure I haven't.” She didn’t bother looking up from her work. 

“Well, we’re on the cover of Gotham Gazette! The hell?! There are way more important things to report on.” I felt my heart beat hard against my rib cage. 

I glared at the little me staring back. Ew, my face lowkey looks greasy and why is there some crazy look in my eyes?! I flipped to the next page and splat—there I was—once again staring back at me! I blanched at the picture of me playing the piano. My hand placement is sloppy, could be better, on top of that my playing was subpar. I didn’t even have the music sheets and was going off of pure memory. No wonder it sicked asscheeks. 

To think those people were impressed by that. 

I shuddered. They wouldn’t know good art if it hit them like a fridge falling on their heads. 

Then there was a snapshot of the three of us on stage. Horrid show. These shots have long paragraphs written about them. It took up two whole pages and it almost made me miss the smaller picture in the corner of page two. 

It was a picture of my father standing with the Wayne family, a smile etched into his face whilst he shook a man’s hand. I looked closer into the picture, practically pressing my nose against it. He’s not all that bad-looking. Maybe he should have offered to marry my sister, too. I wouldn't blame her if she agreed. 

Anyways, was that the investor dad was talking about? 

That picture only got a few lines, making it seem ominous. The last sentence was ‘will we see a collaboration between Wayne Enterprises and the MorningStar Corporation?” 

I wondered if the deal went well. But then I realized I didn’t have to wonder. My literal mother was right there. 

“Hey, Mom-”

I frowned when her phone began to ring. Well jeez. 

She's about to grab it herself but thinks twice, considering her messy clay hand state. “Could you? It's your Dad.”

That gained my attention quick. It was rare that he called when he was at work. Picking up the phone a bit too eagerly, I pressed speaker so Mom could hear too. 

“Dad, it's Nell.” 

“Perfect.” He wasn't in his office, from the feed on his side, there were actually a lot of people. Where was he? “I need you to come down to the office, kid.” 

“What for?” 

Things were getting weirder and weirder. 

I rarely ever went to the office. Work and home life are separate in this household. 

“Well I just got the strangest call from Wayne Enterprises.” 

My eyes darted back to the man, Bruce Wayne, slightly behind Dick in the picture. 

Eyebrows raised, I couldn't keep confusion from my tone. “What's that gotta do with me?”

“Well Mr. Wayne said it was a shame your talent was going to waste. He heard you play last night, kid.” I could all but hear the smile on his face. “He probably looked you up and couldn't find your name anywhere.”

“I perform all the time,” my leg was bouncing fast, “just not necessarily as me. I guess.”

“I know. But that's not how he sees it. Nell, he wants you to play at one of his high end restaurants, one of the best in Gotham.”

I already knew there was a catch, a reason my dad was enthusiastic about this. It didn't take me long to catch on. 

“If Mr. Wayne likes me, you’ll get to work with him for the project you want to do. Because if I’m in his favor, you’ll be close behind.” I looked to my Mom, she could detect in my words what my dad couldn't. So instead of tiptoeing around it I said it flat out, not wanting to believe my dad was a mind reader. “Dad. You know how I feel about performing just because of my last name. I want people to enjoy the art, not like it only because of who it was made by.”

He was silent for a moment, and wherever he ended up, it was quite over the line. “I won't ask you to do something that goes against your wishes. I would never force you. But the way I see it, this is more important than both of us.”

He was talking about the business venture he had been more than enthusiastic about for months. It was why when he came home, he was in high spirits. He called it the Well-Being Initiative. 

My dad was a man who saw his father go his whole life being a laborer. His father was part of the working class, and when he met Mom he was a part of the working class too. Doing hard labor just like his father, dock work unkind to his body after so many years. It was hard for your average person to make it out. 

My dad? He just got incredibly lucky, was in the right spot at the right time. Had the right ideas and ran—sprinted—with them. 

But the Well-Being Initiative will help them get out of it, while also looking towards mental and physical health. Offering a special type of insurance that would help provide that. It would open doors to certain scholarships if they wanted to go to school. Even reaching out these uses to their children and immediate family. This will help break a cycle. 

All with the hopes of the future generations having better opportunities. Those in the working class having these chances will change who can get higher-paying or skill-centered jobs. 

My dad’s dream is that maybe some little boy or girl who has hard-working, dedicated parents, will get to go to college and become a doctor or even a scientist—all without having to worry about the price. He hopes that these people who have worked to build the foundation of the very city they live in everyday, get at least a thank you. 

He's ambitious. But not an idiot. 

How else would he have gotten this far? 

He knew damn well how much money it was going to cost. It makes sense that he would turn to billionaire philanthropist Bruce Wayne.

Considering all this, how many it would help, it would be bratty of me to decline my dads opportunity to get his foot in the door. Sure I didn't have to. He was even giving me an out, saying I could say no. 

Though in perspective, I didn't really want to say no. 

I would be uncomfortable and feel sick afterwards, no doubt. 

But it was for a damn good reason. 

That—her dads initiative—was something she could get behind. 

With a half smile she sat a bit taller. “I'll do it. I trust you Dad.”

This wasn't the same as those people at the parties insisting I play at their parties. This was for my dad and a good cause! 

“Are you sure, kid? There are always others I can look to. Wayne isn't the only rich man in Gotham. Hey, maybe if I get on my knees and beg, I can get LexCorp to work with me.” The sincerity in his voice made me regret ever second-guessing him. 

“I'm sure, Dad. Plus, how bad can it be?”

There was more silence, on the edge of my seat I bit back a groan. “About that-”

“Are they going to make me wear a monkey suit or something?”

“No, kid.” He gave a tight laugh, not easing me one bit. “But since you agreed . . . remember what I said when I first called?”

Right, he wanted me at the office. 

Oh shit. 

“Don't tell me . . .”

“Yeah. Bruce Wayne is on his way here with Dick Grayson. He wanted to meet you and introduce himself, get you to know about the gig before you officially agreed to anything.”

My eyes flitted back to the photo, really it was high quality, so that meant even though Bruce was in the background, I could make out his features so wholly. 

Looking at his eyes, I felt a chill go down my spine. One that felt too familiar to the shiver I got whenever I got that look last night. 

It was him, it had to have been. 

Brice Wayne, likely his sons too; they were the ones that were looking at me so intently. And I got those looks more than Prince, if my gut feeling is right, more than the other four as well. Even if they felt it, it wasn't as much. 

I didn't know what to make of it. 

What the hell could they want with me? 

Well—he wants me to play at his restaurant. But that's too random for a man who looks so calculating. There had to be other motives. I bit my lip. I would be meeting the people who lit my skin aflame with just a stare. 

I took a deep breath and told my Dad, “fine. Yeah, it's fine.” I looked at the clock on the wall. “It's 11:30. Give me till like 12:30 to get ready and be there. Can't meet future investors with muddy jeans and a tank top.” I laughed, trying to be funny when I felt my gut sinking to the pits of hell.

I wasn't scared of them. Concerned was a better way to phrase it. I felt like Prince suddenly. And I'm far more studious than him. Truthfully, ‘concerned’ wasn't even all that right. 

It was hard to pin a name to this feeling. 

All I knew was that it was consuming. 

My dad laughed too. “Wayne is getting here in twenty. So unless you take one fast shower-”

I hung up the phone and placed it on the table. “Thanks, Mom, but I'm out.”

“Yeah yeah I heard.” She waved a hand. Just before I was about to dart off to the shower, she grabbed my wrist gently. “Are you sure you're okay with doing this? I can get your dad to back off.”

“Yeah,” I said fast. “I'm sure.” 

When she was still unconvinced, I gave her a little smile. She sighed and let go. “I'll support whatever you choose to do. As long as it's in your best interest.”

“I know, Mom.” I kissed her cheek. She leaned into it, about to ruffle my hair but thought better of it. 

Not wasting another second, I darted off. 

It was only as I was stripping that I remembered there was more work to be done with the horses, and I was bailing on Prince. 

Taglist: @nervousalpacalady, @angwlart

[yoshi17here]

⋆⭒˚｡⋆The film⋆⭒˚｡⋆ Day 8

YOSHI⋆⭒: Guys I'm so so so sorry for not posting these days but I'll catch up I promise

wc:574

paring: idoljungwon x nonidol y/n

⋆⭒˚｡⋆⋆⭒˚｡⋆⋆⭒˚｡⋆⋆⭒˚｡⋆⋆⭒˚｡⋆⋆⭒˚｡⋆⋆⭒˚｡⋆⋆⭒˚｡⋆⋆⭒˚｡⋆⋆⭒˚｡⋆⋆⭒˚｡⋆⋆⭒˚｡⋆⋆⭒˚｡

It was the most anticipated time of the year — Christmas break. After months of intense schedules and performances, Jungwon was finally getting a chance to relax. The cold winter air felt refreshing as he stepped into his cozy apartment, the soft hum of the heater filling the space.

You had planned this day together for weeks, knowing how rare it was for Jungwon to have a break where he could truly unwind. He greeted you with a soft smile as he opened the door, his eyes lighting up as they met yours. "Hey, you're here!" he said, his voice warm and gentle, sending a wave of comfort over you.

"Of course, I wouldn't miss this," you replied, grinning as you kicked off your boots, stepping inside. The room smelled faintly of pine and cinnamon, the Christmas tree sparkling in the corner with twinkling lights. Jungwon had already set up the living room for the perfect movie night, his favorite blanket draped over the couch.

"Got everything ready," he said, motioning to the pile of snacks on the coffee table: popcorn, chocolate, cookies, and hot cocoa. "I know we agreed on The Grinch. I hope you're ready to laugh."

You chuckled and nodded, sinking into the soft couch next to him. "I’ve been waiting for this all week. I can’t believe you’re watching it with me!"

"Anything for you," Jungwon replied with a teasing smile, before grabbing the remote and starting the movie. The iconic opening credits filled the screen, and you immediately snuggled closer, wrapping yourself in the warmth of the blanket.

The Grinch’s grumpy antics made you laugh harder than you expected. Jungwon joined in with his contagious laugh, his eyes sparkling every time the Grinch got up to some mischief. The two of you sat there, totally immersed in the movie, sharing jokes and laughter over every silly moment.

"Look at him stealing Christmas presents again," you giggled, pointing at the screen. "How does he even think that's going to work?"

Jungwon smirked, nudging your shoulder with his. "Just like you, stealing all my snacks."

You playfully swatted his arm. "Hey! I'm just here for the candy," you teased.

As the movie went on, the warmth of the moment, mixed with the cozy atmosphere and the peaceful joy of being with Jungwon, made everything feel perfect. The two of you shared stories and inside jokes between scenes, the connection growing even deeper as the night went on.

But as the movie neared its end, you found yourself getting sleepier. The comfort of being with him, the laughter, and the quiet joy of the evening were all slowly lulling you into a drowsy state. You rested your head against his shoulder, not even realizing it at first.

Jungwon glanced down at you, a soft smile tugging at his lips as he felt the gentle weight of your head on his shoulder. His fingers lightly brushed through your hair, a quiet gesture that sent warmth spreading through you. "Are you falling asleep on me?" he asked, his voice filled with affection.

You nodded, your eyes half-lidded. "Mm-hmm... too cozy," you mumbled, a soft laugh escaping your lips.

Jungwon chuckled, gently shifting so you could get even more comfortable. He wasn’t in any rush to move, savoring the calm moment. "I’m glad you’re here with me. It’s perfect... just the two of us."

His words made your heart swell, and you snuggled closer, your breathing slowing as you relaxed fully against him. Jungwon kept watching the movie, but his focus wasn’t on the screen anymore; it was on you, his hand gently stroking your hair as you drifted off into a peaceful sleep.

The world outside may have been cold, but in this moment, wrapped in his warmth, everything felt just right. Jungwon smiled softly to himself, knowing that this was one of those memories he’d cherish forever.

As you fell asleep in his arms, the movie’s credits rolled quietly in the background, and Jungwon stayed right there, content and happy to have the time to share this simple, beautiful Christmas moment with you.

And so, the night ended: with laughter, warmth, and the quiet joy of being together

[hearts4werka]

Missing

Summary: it’s been six months since your sister went missing, everyone gave up on the investigation but you’re determined to find her no matter what but someone comes along the way… Genre: first person pov’s Stalker, missing person, thriller, horror, crime investigation, dark aesthetic, stalker romance, double pov Warnings: stalking, mentions of possible murder and torturous acts on children, mental health problems, dark fantasy dreams, exploration of the dark web, mention of an asshole boyfriend and possibly more that might trigger some readers. Read At Your Own Risk!

This is part 3 of the ‘Missing’ series!

7:00 AM

🤍 - Rosalla’s POV

The sun starts rising and the sun pools into my room through the windows as I wake up from my slumber with a weird feeling of soreness and bruised skin on the inner parts of my thighs.

Immediately ripping the duvet off the lower half of my body I slide down my pyjama pants to my mid-thighs, seeing several marks left behind on the inner skin of my thighs.

Inspecting it, confused on how the fuck did I get them? I don’t think I woke up in the middle of the night to go take a piss and even if did, I wouldn’t have bruises on my inner thighs.

Searching my mind for a presumable answer, I scout out one most reasonable answer that makes the most sense.

My stalker.

But what was he doing between my thighs?…

Realization hits me like a big bookshelf falling down, it’s obvious what he was doing there now. Immediately I pull my pyjama pants right back up and a weird feeling of my dark fantasies coming to life…

I’ve never confessed to something like this to anyone except for my now ex-boyfriend, one morning we were just cuddling in bed and I started to talk about a dream I had about a being chased down by a man in a mask and then being taken against my will.

That morning I had woken up all wet and horny so I asked my now ex-boyfriend if we wanted to try something like that, he looked at me and said I was fucked up in the head and proceeded to ignore me for two whole weeks which broke my heart.

Those two weeks I’ve spent at home eating ice-cream, watching romcoms and crying myself to sleep. Blaming myself for even having such dreams, such dark and twisted fantasies in the dark parts of my brain…

He was the one that broke up with me since I had felt seriously emotionally attachted to him, like he actually loved me but it all ended when he found out I have a stalker and he said he couldnt be seen with me, knowing theres some other man lurking and watching our every move somewhere in the dark shadows.

I finally get the strength to get out of bed and make my way over to the bathroom to take a refreshing morning shower. Thank god I have a day off today or I would not survive an hour at work.

Undressing myself I step into the shower, washing my spiraling thoughts taunting me in the dark depths of my mind down my body. Running a hand over my face I silence out all of the voices in my head all speaking at once and allow myself to finally relax and have a moment of peace.

| - 🍂 - |

7:47 AM

I’ve gotten out of the shower and thrown on some random clothes I found in my closet so I won’t sit in my pyjamas all day even though i was being close to doing that. A simple black tank top under an oversized off-shoulder gray hoodie with black sweatpants and mini uggs on my feets, my hair being put up lazily in a messy bun. ( outfit here )

I walk down the stairs and enter the kitchen, putting on some my hometown Spanish music on the speakers I start preparing some breakfast, my hips swaying from side to side each time I walk and when I'm standing they start to create circle, dancing to the music using my hips.

🖤 - Matthew’s POV

I watch her every move, every sway of her hips and move of her perfect body. She wont be able to escape me now ever since I've laid my eyes on her that one time, after I got home that day I did all of my research and found out as much as I could without her finding out.

Fuck, she sure knows how to move her hips.

Also I may or may not installed cameras in her house a few weeks after she became my newly found obsession but atleast I can keep an eye on her and protect my girl from any danger coming her way she may not know of. No one touches what’s mine.

Shes preparing breakfast, doing something normal in this moment and still manages to look even more gorgeous each time.

I sit back in my chair at my house, watching her from all different angles on numerous monitors on my wall from the cameras I have scarretered all over her house in those small and invisible spots she would never think to check.

A laptop is dismissently sitting on my lap with the dark web opened and the newly leaked video loading, I'm checking if the new victim isn't her missing sister by any chance and to hopefully track down the location of their new stay. I've been trying to catch those fuckers for some time now with my team and we've been close in the past but never close enough.

I'm moving my gaze from a goddess dancing in her kitchen to a gory, disgusting video of various of tortureous acts being preformend on children, why do I do this you may ask? I don't know it just sucked me into the dark layers of the world and once you go in, you can't get out.

| - 🍂 - |

10:25 AM

She’s already ate breakfast, had a dance party and singing competition with the voices in her head. Finally she’s now resting on the couch of her living room writing in a journal-like notebook with her cat Willow sleeping in her lap.

That journal holds some of her darkest secrets and I’ve somehow managed to get my hands on it one night, reading thought the different things she’s been through and establishing her ex-boyfriend is a total asshole and didn’t deserve her.

If I could I would teach him a goddamn lesson for treating her like the way he did and when I first found out I was close to actually bashing that motherfucker head with a brick but I kept myself under control and decided to leave it alone.

🤍 - Rosalla’s POV

I was just journaling in my notebook, it’s always felt therapeutic to me and helped me to find my peace or to drain my constantly spiralling thoughts onto paper so I don’t have to bottle them up inside of me.

My cat Willow is snuggly cuddled up on my lap, peacefully sleeping. I wish I could be so carefree with no worries on my head like her, maybe if I was a cat I wouldn’t constantly be burying myself in my thoughts?

As I try to relax, placing the journal down next to me the memories of me and my missing sister together flood back into my mind, clouding any other thought I might have had in there.

A single small tear swirls in my eye and falls down onto the delicate fur of my cat as I pet her back, smiling at the funny and wholesome memories we had together as tears start to prick my eyes.

I wish she was here with me.

authors note: I didn’t know how to end this, kinda ended on a sad note but I finally finished it and fed you my children, there’s more backstory here to go indeep with the characters pasts. Hope I didn’t make you wait long and hope you enjoyed this!

Guestlist!

@slutforsturnioloss @sturnioloblues @sturnsxplr-25 @deffonotjae @strnzzvsp @luvvs4chriss @sturniolosweetheart333 @pussypie456 @choclatestarfishwithahat @venusxsturnio

Please turn on your mentions if you’re not here!

Reblogs, likes are very much appreciated!

[where-dreamers-go]

“Lucky Together” Dick Grayson x Reader

(A/N: Here’s part four after “Teasingly Sweet” of 90s Robin and Reader. Robin had made a promise to visit Reader in his civilian attire, as himself outside of hero work. Is Reader ready for that step? Warnings: Use of (Y/N), slight angst maybe, and fluff. Word Count: 2,438 words)

~~~

Saturday evenings were as entertaining as ever. The first Saturday of each month, more specifically.

Decked out in your Robin fan club shirt, button badge, and bracelet, you snapped as a fan left the small stage after reciting poetry.

That was so cool, you thought from your seat by some friends.

Each meeting consisted of catching up with one another for a few minutes with light refreshments followed by updates form the leader of the Robin fan club. There hadn’t been too many things to officially discuss aside from an upcoming fundraiser and community projects. What came afterwards was open to the floor. Anyone could share something positive and Robin related.

It wasn’t all about gushing over Robin. Only sometimes.

“Would anyone else like to share anything?” The club leader asked kindly. She waited as always. Encouraging everyone.

When no one moved nor raised a hand, she said, “Thank you everyone for your creativity, stories, and updates. If you have any questions regarding the fundraiser next week, feel free to ask or call me. I’m happy to help. It’s because of our passion that we can help our Gotham City too.”

Clapping sounded in the rented room.

“Before we go.” She grinned. “I do have a special guest who’d like to say a few parting words.” She glanced toward the door and her grin widened. “Please welcome our hero, Robin.”

Gasps came from nearly everyone in the room as the door opened.

He’s actually here? You thought, gaping at Robin strutting to the front. Has he been here before? Have I missed something?

Beside you, your friends clapped along with other fans.

“Good evening, everyone,” Robin greeted.

Quiet overtook the room. Each person eager to hear Robin.

“I’ve heard of your recent fundraisers and I couldn’t be more proud. Gotham City needs more people like you. People who care.”

A shiver went up your neck and your gut feeling had you suspecting Robin’s gaze had found you.

“So I just wanted to come by and say thank you.” Robin smiled. “Stay safe out there and have a good night.”

The club leader returned his smile and said, “Thank you for coming. We know how busy you are.”

“Not a problem. Anything for the best fans.”

The room erupted in clapping and joyous exclamations as Robin bounded out the door.

“He’s proud of us,” your friend shook your shoulder.

“Yeah,” you breathed out.

After all of the excitement reached its peak, the club leader ended the meeting with a laugh. She must have known how many questions would come her way then.

You can’t just contact Robin, you thought. Well, my friend managed it for the costume party.

It didn’t take more than a glance to see the club leader being swarmed to give answers.

You didn’t need to be near that. It was enough to be questioned for half an hour during a meeting after your birthday. That story was a hit weeks ago. Just that one though and excluding the ending. The others you kept to yourself.

There was no chance in the world in which you’d give away such private details of you and Robin.

“Are you coming? She has to tell us how,” your friend stood beside you.

“No. I better head home. You guys let me know tomorrow. Okay?” You shrugged on your jacket.

“Sure.”

Few headed out before you. The tease your club leader gave excited and tickled members’ curiosity.

Maybe it’s a good thing I haven’t told anyone about inviting Robin to my apartment. Half of my friends would think I’m kidding. You sighed, walking out into the hallway. It’s better this way. A secret.

Heading into the chilly night air, you were caught on your last thought. A secret.

Robin wants me to know his. To know who he is—his name—is huge. It’s his life.

Metal groaned in an alley you passed. Steps sounded rapid behind you.

It better not be some little punk. You glanced over your shoulder quickly and laughed.

“How’s my favorite fan?” Robin matched pace with you and smirked. Walking between you and the street.

“Glad to see you. Again.”

“Did I surprise you?”

“At the meeting? Oh, yeah.” You answered. “They’re still in there wanting to know details. Our club leader knew what she was doing.”

“I contacted her.”

Your jaw dropped open.

Chuckling, Robin added, “It was an easy way to find you and surprise them too.”

“To find me?”

“Yeah. There’s no big event or gala happening tonight. Most of Gotham should be pretty quiet. Batman can handle it.” He shrugged. “So I was wondering if your night was free?”

Tonight? Your heartbeat picked up. As in civilian identity visit?

“I have to fold and put away some towels.”

“You need help?”

“What? No, no. It’s fine.”

Robin slowed to a stop and rested a hand on your arm.

You stopped.

“Is something wrong? My friend doesn’t have to visit.”

“No. It’s just… I’m worrying myself.”

He frowned.

“You know my luck is questionable at best.” You whispered, “What if someone finds out? Or you get in trouble?”

“Hey. What bad luck have we had together?” Robin asked softly.

Any quick response stopped before they were spoken. Robin had a point.

Shoulders rising in a hunch, you asked, “Will it really be all right?”

“It’ll be better.” Robin promised.

You couldn’t help but to smile. “Your friend doesn’t need a mask. That’s a bonus,” you said feeling a bit more comfortable with the decision once again.

“And he doesn’t need a suit.” He winked.

Laughing lightly, you added, “Jeans and sweats for the win, Robin.”

“All right. Time for me to go.”

“Gotta fly?”

Robin shook his head as he fought off a smile.

If we can make this, here, work, why not something without secrets or masks?

✧ ✧ ✧

Well settled-in for the night, you watched a movie on the television. Alone and sitting very comfortably on the couch.

Maybe Gotham City wasn’t as quiet tonight, you wondered.

It had been a little over two hours since the end of the fan club meeting. Enough time to shower, fold towels, and decide to chill in pajamas.

If you were going to wait, you were going to be comfy in your apartment.

I hope he’s all right. You glanced to the curtains covering a window. I better not have jinxed him or something.

Grumbling into a throw blanket, you barely heard a knock on the door.

All building drowsiness vanished as you tiptoed over to the door, your blanket wrapped around you. There was no doubt within you who knocked. Excitement filled your limbs.

Don’t be nervous.

 Peering through the peephole nearly stole your breath away. The moment when your corner of the world changed.

Opening the door revealed a young man in a black leather jacket paired with jeans and boots. A motorcycle helmet was carefully tucked under an arm. Familiar blue eyes gazed back at you with restrained excitement.

“Hi,” you said, holding open the door.

“Trick or treat?”

Any nerves subsided as you grinned.

Robin stood before you without a mask or skin-tight suit. Definitely a new look you could get used to.

“Treat.”

He lifted his left hand and revealed a chocolate Kiss. “A sweet treat for (Y/N).”

“Thank you,” you smiled, “but I’m pretty sure you being here is better than one little chocolate.” You stepped aside and beckoned him inside with a nod of your head.

Walking passed you, he shrugged off his backpack and pulled out a slightly crinkled bag. One with a familiar bakery logo on the front.

“What about some cake?”

The door shut as you observed his knowing smile.

He remembered the place?

“Okay, but,” you tightened the blanket around you, “depends on if you tell me your name, I think.”

“Dick Grayson.”

“Dick Grayson,” you repeated. “Nice to see you in cotton. Make yourself at home.”

After placing the treats on the kitchen counter, Dick put his backpack, helmet, and jacket out of the way by the dining table.

Knowing this young man in jeans was the very same hero you admired boggled your mind. Still new, but familiar. Dick Grayson had been underneath the dark mask when you had the unluckiest birthday and he made it brighter. This man had attended your friend’s costume party and made sure you made it home safe. The blue-eyed, smiling man did hero work at night.

And tonight he’s here with me.

“You look deep in thought,” Dick observed as he stepped up to you. “Anything you want to share?” His fingers skimmed across your blanket at your sides.

Good question.

“It’s cold outside.”

“Explains the blanket.”

“And my brain’s trying to catch up since seeing you without your mask,” you rambled. “I know it’s you and this is…more of you.”

His eyebrows lowered slightly in concern. “Is it freaking you out?”

“No.”

“You’re sure?” His hands found your hips and tugged you forward.

“Now you’re teasing.” You swatted at him with the blanket.

“Because I know you’ll get used to this. If you like where this is going.” Dick rested his forehead against yours.

“Where is this going exactly?” You asked in a whisper.

“To the couch—”

“Oh, boy.”

“—then maybe sharing the cake.”

“I like that.”

He smiled and continued, “We could see each other before dark. Go on a date.”

“That,” you grinned, “I would really like.”

Closing the small space between you, you pressed your lips to his softly. The familiar sense of excitement and wonder appeared tenfold as the kiss played out longer than intended. A strong sense of interest felt, no doubt once more.

“I like being with you,” Dick murmured.

No longer fussing with the blanket and keeping it in place, you freed your hands to hold his face gently. To finally touch him without the underlying fear of crossing the boundary between hero and secret identity left you lighthearted.

It’s crazy how real this is, you thought before kissing him once more. Dick Grayson. Dick Grayson.

“Dick Grayson.”

“What?”

“Hmm?” You blinked out of your daze.

Shaking his head with a grin, Dick lead you to the couch. An action he did similarly the last time he was in your apartment.

It lead to reason why butterflies erupted in your stomach at the memory.

Oh goodness.

Dick sat on the couch and pulled you with him; right on his lap.

Last time, the pair of you had stopped a heated time atop of the cushions, however this time you could continue. If you chose to.

“Dick,” you placed both hands on his chest.

“What is it?” He asked, trying to rearrange the blanket over you both.

“Is it okay if we…cuddle? Watch some TV?”

You sat back a little, giving distance. Unsure of his reaction. Your hands falling to your lap.

Instead of looking disappointed or even shocked, Dick smiled. Purely genuine and not at all teasing. He peeked over your shoulder.

A movie still played on the screen. One you rented for the weekend.

“I didn’t know you liked fantasy movies.”

“And some science fiction,” you added. “The fun ones.”

“Sophisticated and cool.” He tilted his head while studying you. “You’re full of surprises and treats.”

“Mostly treats.”

He tugged at the blanket, saying, “We can have cake later. For now,” Dick patted your side, “let’s get comfortable.”

After minutes worth of scooting, pulling the blanket, and adjusting leg positions the two of you were laying together across the couch cushions.

This is how you spend a Saturday night, you thought with a smile. Funnier even because I went to the meeting tonight. And it’s okay. They’ll never know. He’ll be safe. I have to have good luck at some point.

A kiss was pressed to the top of your head.

If this could be a new normal, I’d be more than okay with that. You covered Dick’s arm with your own close to you.

Wrapped up in a blanket all snug together, the pair of you spent hours on the couch. Too cozy to move as end credits rolled. Midnight had come and went not long beforehand. A cake long since eaten.

Behind you, Dick stretched his limbs.

“Did you enjoy the movie?” You asked as you craned your neck to look at him.

“I did. I mainly enjoyed watching it with you.”

“Yeah?” You smiled sweetly.

“Darn right. It beats getting punched any day. And this isn’t something I get to do with my free time.” Dick patted your hip. “But now I have to get going.”

“I wish you could stay.”

“Who said I can’t? It’s your place. If you want me to stay the night I can hardly say ‘no’.”

Your heartbeat picked up.

He wants to stay over. Just sleeping. We’re sleeping.

“So?” Blue eyes studied you once more.

“Do you need pajamas?”

Laughter was shared before the two of you had to stop the white noise of annoyance coming from the TV. The tape had reached its end.

Getting ready for bed with someone you had only imagined without a mask was a surreal experience. One minute you were brushing your teeth and the next you forgot to turn off a light because he smiled at you. You had not imagined being bashful.

Yet you could hardly contain a smile upon seeing Robin—Dick Grayson—making himself comfortable in your bed. Fluffing up pillows, arranging blankets, and all the domestic actions. It was cute too.

The man, the hero, in between your bedsheets was all smiles. He truly liked you.

Before sleep welcomed you both, kisses and more cuddles were exchanged.

You couldn’t remember being happier going to sleep.

✧ ✧ ✧

Despite tall buildings and morning fog, sunlight peeked into the bedroom. Sunday had arrived with new experiences and surprises.

Soft pressure was felt on your head and you kept your eyes shut. Warmth was pressed to your neck and your eyes snapped open.

Wait, you thought sleepily as memories of the night before reemerged. Oh.

Dick Grayson’s lips traveled to your shoulder.

He’s still here.

“Morning,” he kissed your temple sweetly.

You smiled into your pillow. “Good morning.”

“I could get used to this,” he murmured into your skin. One of his hands found yours and intertwined them.

“Maybe if we’re lucky, we can do this again.”

“I work late nights.”

“Some nights I go to bed late,” you mused.

He brought your clasped hands up and kissed your knuckles.

“Can we go on a date first?”

You grinned.

“Luckily for us. It’s my day off.”

~~~

(If you love my writings and want to support me, I have a Ko-Fi where you can buy me a coffee. I would be eternally grateful. coffee

Best wishes and happy reading.)

~~~~~

DreamerDragon Tags: @cubedtriangle

90s Dick Grayson Tags: @ghostcastaway @theroyalmanatee @

**Let me know if you would like to be tagged in insert readers, either through replies, ask, or message.**

[pruneunfair]

Roasting OI leads, Part 2: Baby tyrant.

Now before I begin, I want to say that for once, it was refreshing to see an OI dad who didn't hate their kid for "killing" his wife in childbirth...

But Estevan here is taking that shit to the complete opposite extreme! This ain't a girl dad, nah, this just the average red flag ML except as a father instead of a husband.

Theres being a girl dad, and then theres this thing.

Bitch, ain't no way you are competing WITH YOUR SON!? Your 6 year old SON!

I know he's described as a young father but regardless he's still a grown ass man competing with his son over his daughters love.

Brother Eugh... 😨

Bro why!? My guy, what is wrong with you!?

Even Mabel is done with her dads bullshit. 😭

How has the empire not destabilized!?

a KEY territory! Dude! Haven't you ever heard of the words "Chill" or God forbid "Less is more."

(In his defense, he actually does do more for Mabel outside of these superfluous gifts like taking care of her when she's sick and generally being present in her life but my point still stands as the gifts take up a majority of his on panel adoration for Mabel)

I know I'm not the only one thinking this cause even Mabel is wondering how the empire isn't in total shambles from this dudes antics.

Mabel ain't even the best protagonist but the only reason shes earned a little respect from me is because at least we agree that Estevan is a nutcase.

By the way, how the hell are you an overprotective father and you can't even do that right?

Context: Basically Mabel comes into contact with a verified threat (Aiden) but this doofus is more concerned that he didn't get to hear her first words because of it.

He can't even do the one thing he's good for!

By the way, Estevans treatment of his secretary is FOUL. Gustaf in general gets the short end of the stick way too much and the way his boss treats him is undeserved. Half the time he's getting caught in Estevans bullshit and has to pick up after him and you know he isn't getting a raise for it either.

You KNOW your a bad boss if he prefers working for a literal TODDLER over you.

Speaking of which.

Now, I get that it's essential to the plot that Mabel becomes the Empress so she can actually be a tyrant as the title suggests. (I'll get into more depth about this in a future post) but Estevan, brother in christ. That doesn't mean I won't call you an idiot!

Sure it is explained that Mabel is only Empress is name and Estevan still does most of the work while she's still a baby but you don't just get to hand your one year old the responsibility of the empire she didn't want to rule AND planned to go to someone else and be shocked that she gets pissed with you!

If it weren't for the fact that Oscar was chill with being side stepped, I'd be flamming him even more.

And while it's pretty well known by this point, this guy is not giving Oscar the love he should be getting. Oscar is a way better person than me cause if Estevan was my father, I would've went off a long time ago. Sure from what I've seen so far, he isn't too bad toward Oscar but Mabels gotten two birthday chapters based on what I've read so far (43 chapters) and Oscar didn't even get ONE! Like... show my boy some love! Why do we gotta neglect the other children for the sake of the lead. From what I've heard from reddit, it only gets worse.

And once again, Mabel is the one having to try and fail to communicate to her dad to try to think about his first born.

"Baby tyrant" and yet Mabel was the one parenting Oscar better than the adults, and she is the baby!

Closing out with a Justice for Gustaf because he deserves a nice paid vacation away from that shit.

[emsgwenstan]

Personal or professional?

Chap 1 | chap 2

Larissa Weems x fem(carpenter/joiner) reader

Words: 2.5k

Summary: Violet Hastings is a feminine and strong willed woman, who also has a lot of secrets, from her unconventional job to her personal issues, Larissa may be the one who opens violets heart but what is the price?

Warnings: eventual swearing, self criticism, hurt/angst, body issues| this chapter, none?

There it’s a lot in store for this just bare with me it’s only the intro. <3

———

“Violet get in here!” My boss called out into the work shop. “Coming!” I yell back, setting down the sand paper on the bench. Quickly making my way to his office I manage to scrape my leg yet again on a protruding piece of timber, with no time I decide against cleaning off the blood that’s now dipping down the length of my leg, when he wants me he wants me now.

Opening the door my breath was caught in my lungs upon laying eyes on the most beautiful woman i had ever seen. “Violet this is miss Weems, she’s looking to have a few cupboards made.” He said half assed with a sigh as if he’s so hard done by. The woman gleamed up at me, uncrossing her legs and extending to her full height. She was tall, very tall but not to much taller than me, already so captivating.

“Larissa.” She said with a deep voice holding out a delicate hand for me to shake. ‘My Larissa you are the most beautiful person I’ve ever gazed at’. I thought as i took her hand and gently yet professionally greeted her properly. “Violet.” I breathed hardly remembering if that was right. The touch lingered a little long, but I’m aching to be eligible enough to feel her hand once again.

“So… what exactly are you looking for.” I asked after clearing my throat. “She wants to get some tall cupboards for classroom storage at that school outta town.” He interjected. I shot him a glare at his rude behaviour. “As I recall I believe I asked miss Weems.” I snapped with a smile, returning my gaze back to her. “Well that is correct, but I was wondering if you had any ideas for the design, I want it to match the interior of the rooms if possible.” She said timidly, her English accent clear and alluring. “Of course I’ll take you to the show room.” I said turning to hold the door open for her.

On the short walk, the air was filled with a comfortable silence, which was nice because I’m not one for small talk. “Here we are, go nuts.” I chuckled. Larissa paced about the room and went from each item on display running her finger tips along the edges. I admired her for doing so, sometimes feeling something is far more important than looking, although that to is quite necessary, but I also admired her, her posture and height, her beauty and kindness, Larissa seems to be the epitome of grace, to which I envy.

“Oh my goodness these are incredible.” she said turning to look at me over her shoulder. I blushed and tilted my head down slightly flustered. “Who ever made all of this is very good, just look at the detail.” smiling and saying nothing, Larissa faced me probably observing my silence. “Did- did you do all of this?” She asked. “Guilty.” I responded returning her gaze. “Well, you very talented, your skill is remarkable.” She said, making me smile in thanks.

“So anything in particular catch your eye?” I wondered. “All of it honestly, but…personally this is my favourite.” Larissa walked a few steps to a vanity i made a few years back, not one that goes in a bathroom but the free standing one’s that go in a bedroom or foyer. I could see how her face contorted into awe at its presents, her eyes scanning over the fine details scribed into marble tops edge and the vintage gold handles, the mirror frame also a painted embellished gold. Larissa looked at me and began to speak again. “You know, this is off topic but… it was quite refreshing to see you walk in before, I thought I would be dealing with another incipient man.” She said not bothering to care if it caused offence. It was absolutely taken as a compliment.

“Well, if I’m being honest, it was lovely to see you to, we get all sorts of different clients who may I say are a handful to deal with, especially since they get palmed off to me considering I’m the only worker.” I replied in hopes of showing my gratitude for her compliance. “Your the only other person who works here… apart form your boss?” She asked almost in a concerned manner. “Yes, no body else finds him tolerant enough to stick around, so really the only reason I’m here is because I have some freedom over what I do, a little blackmail of me leaving and him shutting down for good always seems to do the trick.”

Larissa grinned at my words understanding that you need to play a little dirty if you want to survive in the business industry, something Larissa knows very well. “I tell you what… It’s yours, I have no use for it, I just have to tweak a few things before I deliver it for you.” I said hoping she would like the offer. “Oh no… I couldn’t.” She muttered but her face said otherwise. “Cant or won’t?” I asked almost as if i were daring her just to say yes.

Larissa eventually accepted the offer with much reluctance, her blush didn’t go unnoticed when i grasped her bicep smiling at her when she obliged. “Well, when would you like me to come and take some measurements?” hoping it’s soon so i don’t die of anticipation. “Does tomorrow evening work for you? It’s probably best that you come when students aren’t in the way.” She spoke. “Tomorrow it’s just fine how is four o’clock?” I asked. “Perfect.” She said.

Larissa looked down at her feet for a moment to avoid her crimson cheeks being displayed, but quickly her eyes found my shin. “Oh what have you done? Your bleeding.” She uttered, a look of worry washed over her features. Looking down remembering that i had in fact cut myself. “It’s nothing look at all the other scars, I’m sure you can tell it’s not the first time.” I laughed, shrugging it off as no big deal. Larissa opens her purse and pulled out a plaster holding it out for me to take. “Here.” She said. I sighed and took it thanking her and saying it’s not necessary. “It’s absolutely necessary, you need to look after yourself darling, I have to make sure the woman I need is in good physical health now dont I?” She protested. ‘Darling!? her charm is going to kill me!’.

Walking back to the office I said goodbye and good luck dealing with my boss to finalise some paperwork, Larissa let out a breathy chuckle at the statement and bid me farewell also. I paced back to my bench and resumed the task with only one thing on my mind, a beautiful woman called Larissa Weems.

———

The next morning was a drag, it honestly couldn’t go any slower, excitement pulsed though my body as well as butterflies in my stomach, just thinking about meeting Larissa again I’m torn between nervousness and the trill of seeing her, it’s been a long time since I’ve felt so giddy just because of a simple conversation or over anything for that matter.

After securing a few shipments of board to make a wardrobe for another client and doing some required maintenance on machinery it was finally time to drive to nevermore, that in its self was exciting. Before I started the twenty minute drive, i went to the weathervane to get a hot chocolate and a pastry on the way and hesitantly bought another set to offer Larissa. I have never done anything like this before. ‘God is she going to think I’m weird for buying her this? Does she even like this stuff? Let’s hope she’s not lactose intolerant or a gluten free person. God Just. Calm. Down’.

The drive down the road leading to the school was in some way magical, the trees making a canopy was surreal, the sunlight creeping through the branches and casting flickering rays along the windscreen, the cool breeze that was gently blowing the leaves was a beautiful sight. Anything that wasn’t four walls and loud noises was remarkable, it feels like when i take a step outside of the work shop and back into the world I’m alive or regenerated again.

Arriving through the iron gates my face dropped at the sight of the imposing school, it was huge and the architecture was to die for, it had a gothic aesthetic yet a warm nature to it. ‘My kind of place’. Parking in the staff lot, i made my way out of the car taking the drinks and paper bag holding the food and walked to what seemed to be the front entrance.

It was very quiet the only sounds were light howling of wind through the stone halls and hushed conversations of students bathing in the sun sitting in what you assume is the quad, even if it shaped as a pentagon. Walking aimlessly through archways and openings I found myself In front of a staircase, my gut is telling me to at least try to see if I’m in the right direction of her office.

At the top of the stairs there were plenty of painted portraits of people who were obviously previous headmasters and important alumni, all seemingly men to, that was until my eye was caught by a flurry of light colour. Just as I thought it was Larissa, her bright hair pinned to perfection and blue eyes radiant, i give credit to whoever captured all of her beauty, especially that little scare above her lip that i somehow absolutely adore.

My staring was cut short when I heard a door open and heals clicking against the marble floors, whipping around I immediately remember she’s far more beautiful in person. “What a horrid experience that was.” She said nodding towards the portrait. “Looks pretty incredible to me.” I said giving her a grin. “Yes well, sitting in silence for six hours without a break wasn’t very ideal, not to mention having to go back the next day to do it again was dreadful.” She chuckled. She tilted her head to look at herself and grimaced at it. “To be quite honest I try so hard to avoid it every time I step of of my office.” She said softly and turned her gaze back to me. “You shouldn’t it’s beautiful.” I said. With a huff Larissa straightened her posture and regained her mask of professionalism. “Hello violet.” She said realising she hadn’t greeted me properly. “Hi.” I responded.

Larissa turned and placed her hand on my shoulder walking me to her office. As we stepped inside the amazement came back tenfold, her interior was impeccable every colour and material held a rich aesthetic, from layered curtains to thick rugs and simple yet eye catching memorabilia that was effortlessly critiqued into place. She has wonderful taste, the only downside was her desk, a small crappy little thing that I’m sure she has trouble fitting under.

Larissa rounder her desk and sat at her throne of a chair and wordlessly asked you to sit by motioning her hand. “Oh, by the way I wasn’t exactly sure if or what you wanted but I brought you a hot chocolate and and a croissant.” You said holding up the goods. “You didn’t.” She said a grin appearing on her face. “I didn’t know what you liked or if you could eat or drink it, but I just thought I shouldn’t be selfish and offer you something anyway.” You shyly stated. “No I want it, that’s my usual actually.” She said. “I hope Your not lying to not make me feel bad are you?” You asked. “Not at all.” She smiled. “Ok well I have one that’s just plain and one that has whipped cream and marshmallows in it so take your pick.” You said pointing to the designated cups. Larissa bites on her bottom lip as she inches toward the drink with the toppings. “Don’t tell anyone but I have the biggest sweet tooth.” She giggled, the sound alone was a melody you wished to hear forever.

“So tell me about the process of making and installing the cupboards? Is it difficult? How would you manage to trek them into the school? Especially by yourself, I’d help you but I’m afraid I’m rather weak.” Larissa asked after she let out a hum at the taste of the drink, getting lost in her own mind wondering about the questions. You chuckled at her slight concern. “Well we figure out what colour or patterned board your looking for, order it and manufacture it in the work shop and I deliver and install it, as for bringing it here I’ll figure that out.” I said taking a sip of my own drink.

Larissa nodded at my words and seemingly scanned my figure, her eyes ran over the expanse of my body from hair and eyes to my clothes, crossed legs and shoes. I broke the silence feeling a little self conscious under her piercing gaze. “I’m afraid my uniform isn’t nearly as impeccable as yours I’m sorry.” I laughed nervously snapping her back to reality. “No, I was actually admiring, I think florissant pink looks great on you and I adore the pink laces on your boots.” She said politely pointing at your feet. “Oh thanks I guess, I decided that if I were to work in this industry I wanted to look quite feminine, what ever that is right?” I chucked. “Yes I see.” She smiled taking another sip.

After a few conversations about little bits of information and other steps, Larissa guided me back down stairs to a classroom. The whole time I spoke with her I realised how easy she is to talk to, Larissa comes across as sweet and charming, charismatic and intelligent, I do feel like slowly she’s peeling layers of professionalism back and being a little more personable and vulnerable, but so am I, not once have i had someone so friendly and easygoing to work or deal with, Larissa seems to understand my opinions and does everything she can to be as simple as she can to make things easier for me. Although a part of me can’t help but wonder if she’s just only being friendly for the sake of it or if Larissa genuinely likes me as a person.

After discussing the materials and rough estimates for costs Larissa and I walked back towards my car. “I’m really looking forward to seeing the results once everything is finalised.” She said clasping her hands in front of herself. “So am I, I think everything is going to look and function great.” I spoke. For a moment she didn’t say anything and just looked at me, although my gaze was diverted to behind her, a car was backing out rather quickly and without thinking i grasped her wrists and pulled her flush against me to prevent her from possibly being hit.

Larissa was stunned at the sudden movement just as much as i was, the person who was driving stopped and wound down the window, a woman with red hair and glasses far to big for her face gave an apologetic smile “oh my god I’m soo sorry I didn’t see you guys there, forgive me principal Weems.” Larissa gave you a look before stepping back and composing herself. “That’s alright Marilyn, please be careful next time.” She said, you could tell she was slightly annoyed it was actually quite funny. With that the woman drove off leaving myself and Larissa in silence. “Sorry about that.” She said. “How is that your fault?” I asked. “It’s not but…” she began. “It’s fine, I just didn’t want you to be run over.” I stated. “I suppose a thank you is in order than.” “No problem miss Weems.” I said. “Please, call me Larissa, I get sick of hearing that name every waking moment of the day.” The woman asked me hopefully. “Ok than Larissa, I’ll be seeing you sometime soon, don’t overwork yourself, I need you in good shape to tell me your thoughts on things ok?” I half joked clearly mocking her for the previous day, but wished it entirely. “I will darling, take care of yourself as well.” Again with the darling. At that I slipped into the drivers seat of my work car and waved Larissa goodbye heading back down the driveway.

Larissa slowly walked back towards her office stopping every so often to absorb the sunshine’s warmth, before heading down the cold stone corridors. She stepped inside of her room and smiled at the empty cup on her desk, Larissa wrapped her perfectly manicured hands around the paper and went to throw it in the bin, however she stopped in her tracks at the delicate handwriting with a phone number and name marked with ‘vi ;)’. She grinned at herself and whipped out her phone.

‘Meet me at the weathervane in your lunch break tomorrow? ~Larissa.’

@sabraaabra

[storiesbyjes2g]

3.212 Tropical storm Chi Chi

Despite the joy I felt from Maira's news, I still felt...off. My emotions were all over the place, and I kinda wanted to be alone to sort myself out. I'd usually go for a jog or something, but I didn't want to leave the comfort and safety of my home. So, as much as I could, I stayed away from my girls. Luckily, Desiree was more interested in her Winterfest gifts, and Sophia had chores to do. I thought I'd grab some food and eat in the living room because it's quiet in there, but no sooner than I sat down, someone knocked at the front door. I groaned at the loss of my me time and for my nerves; it was Chi Chi. She came in, yammering on about her grandson, Titus, and how cute he is, and how big he's getting, and how much she loves him, and how her daughter is pregnant again, and how she hopes she and the boyfriend plan to get married. I had eaten several bites of my pineapple fried rice before she really noticed me.

"You're looking mighty relaxed and happy, mister! Sophia gave you some extra Winterfest loving?"

"Ha. Something like that. You look rather refreshed yourself. We just got back from Mt. Komorebi."

"Oh, that's old news. I let this fancy business guy try to impress me with a weekend Sulani trip a few weeks ago. I knew it wasn't going to work, but I appreciate the tan, ha ha!"

Sophia came downstairs, and Chi Chi hopped on her like flies on dog poop. I don't recommend anyone getting caught in Chi Chi's tsunami of words, but I was glad to get her attention off me. I tried to ignore them and go back to my space, but I couldn't help but eavesdrop. After all, they were just a few feet from me, and Chi Chi was way too eager to discuss this alleged glow I have about me. Hearing my wife and my friend gush about good I put it down was not the way I saw my evening going, but at least they weren't talking about the fire. I know if it came up, she'd slip into supportive friend mode quick and smooth like a ninja. Caring and making you feel seen is one of her best traits, but that's just not what I want right now.

They talked and giggled some more, and I finished my dinner. At some point, though, I heard little feet overhead stepping toward the stairs. I should have known an unfamiliar voice would draw Desi away from her play time. Sure enough, she traipsed downstairs, and Chi Chi could not contain herself.

"OH my word!! Look at how big you are! You are just the cutest thing!! She looks so much like both of you!! And those eyes! Hello, gorgeous! Oh, she's gonna be so much trouble when she's a teenager!"

Desi stared at her, half smiling and kinda dazed. I snickered because I knew that exact feeling.

"Mommy," she whispered, "who's this?"

Sophia and Chi Chi laughed.

"You don't have to be afraid of little ol' me! I'm Chi Chi! I met you when you were just a cute little thing!"

"Chi Chi is a friend of ours," Sophia said.

I'm sure we all breathed a sigh of relief when her phone buzzed.

"Oh, I've got to run. Karmi Karms isn't feeling too well; you know how the first trimester is. Why she doesn't ask the boyfriend for help is beyond me. I know a girl needs her mother, but what's the point of having a man in the house if he's useless?! Anyway, happy New Year's Eve, everybody! I'll see you soon!"

And with that, she disappeared as quickly as she arrived. She is something else. With peace restored in our home, heh, and Desi looking to be social, I seized the opportunity I wanted from this morning.

"Hey, Des, you wanna do yoga with me?"

"YEAH!!"

We changed into our workout gear and went outside. It's too bad Sophia isn't into wellness. We could do yoga as a family.

Desi chose a mat, and I took the one in front of her.

"You're good at mimicking the moves, but now you need to understand why you're doing them and how to get the most out of them."

She was so excited; she couldn't stay still.

I got into position for a pose, and she followed.

"This is called the downward dog pose."

Of course, the name made her giggle. I got up to make sure she did it right and to provide more instruction.

"This is one of the most basic poses. Plant your feet flat on the mat and try not to get on your toes. You should feel that stretch going all the way up your leg. Do you feel it?"

"I feel it!"

"Good. You should always plant your feet flat on the mat and dig your toes into it. That'll keep you balanced and give you a strong footing. But also when you do yoga, you want to create resistance to stretch all your muscles, so that's another reason."

I took her through all the basic poses, and then we did them together. It gave me the calm I needed, and barring anything bad happening tomorrow, I'd say the year ended on a good note.

Chi Chi's grandson!

[yoomiwrites]

Sugar Rush⁹

Summary: Reader has been working directly under the Admirals, Kuzan, Kizaru and Akainu for years. Little by little, the dynamic changes and friendship (and more) develops. These are all small stories that build on each other. The work is from 2017, not revised and the prologue of Aromatic Rush & Salty Rush.

Note: I think most of the chapters are posted? Probably. I should count em.

The familiar scent of saltwater and the distant hum of seagulls signaled my return to Navy HQ after what should have been a refreshing vacation. It had started well enough—sunny days, new sights, and the rare luxury of no paperwork. I’d gone to a close island, a place I’d never visited before, eager to explore somewhere off the beaten path.

But the peaceful respite had quickly spiraled into a disaster.

My brother had gotten involved in some kind of local trouble—something about a bad debt he owed to the wrong people. I had tried to keep my distance from his mess, tried to stay neutral, but that quickly became impossible. Before I knew it, I was tangled in the chaos, fists flying, and more than one knife too close for comfort. Now, I was back with a few stitches, some bruises, and the kind of fatigue that ran deeper than physical pain. I could still feel the weight of it in my bones as I trudged through HQ, trying my best to blend into the background.

But as much as I wanted to just sink into my work and disappear, it seemed like fate had other plans.

Just as I rounded the corner to my office, I caught sight of a familiar face: Aokiji, leaning against the wall outside the door. His posture was as relaxed as ever, hands in his pockets, eyes half-closed. At first glance, he looked like he was taking a nap standing up—typical Kuzan. But as I got closer, I realized he wasn’t asleep. His eyes were on me.

"Hey," his deep, laid-back voice called out, though there was a subtle sharpness beneath the casual tone. "You’re back."

I managed a weak smile. "Yeah… back in one piece. Mostly."

Kuzan’s gaze swept over me, and for once, his usually indifferent eyes lingered longer than normal. He didn’t miss much—his sharp instincts caught the way I winced slightly as I shifted my weight, the stiffness in my steps, and the subtle way I tried to hide the bandages peeking out from under my sleeve.

"Doesn’t look like it went too smoothly," he remarked, pushing himself off the wall and walking over. "What happened?"

I sighed, not wanting to dive into the full story. "Let’s just say it wasn’t the vacation I was hoping for."

He raised an eyebrow, his expression unreadable as usual, but I could tell he wasn’t satisfied with the vague answer. "Looks like you’ve had a rough time," he said simply, and while his voice stayed calm, there was a softness to it that I hadn’t expected.

I shrugged, trying to brush it off. "It’s nothing. Just some trouble with my brother… you know how it is."

Kuzan’s eyes narrowed slightly, and for a moment, he just stared at me, as if weighing how much he wanted to push. Then, without a word, he stepped closer, leaning down just enough to get a better look at the cut above my brow.

I flinched, not used to him being this… attentive. "It’s nothing serious," I mumbled, but even I could hear how tired I sounded.

"Hm," he muttered, tilting his head slightly. "You’re a terrible liar, (F/N)."

Before I could argue, he reached out, his hand brushing lightly against my arm where the bandages were hidden. His touch was gentle, but the concern behind it was obvious, even if he didn’t voice it directly. Kuzan wasn’t the type to make a big fuss, but when something caught his attention, he didn’t let it go easily.

"Your brother… does this kind of thing happen often?" he asked, his voice low.

I bit my lip, not sure how to answer. "Sometimes. It’s not the first time I’ve had to clean up after him."

Kuzan’s eyes darkened slightly, and he let out a slow breath. "You should’ve called us," he said after a long pause. "We could’ve handled it."

His words took me by surprise. Us? I hadn’t even considered reaching out. My problems with my brother felt like something I had to handle on my own. Besides, the idea of involving Admirals in a family dispute seemed absurd.

"I couldn’t drag you guys into that mess," I replied, shaking my head. "It wasn’t Navy business."

Kuzan sighed again, the usual laziness in his demeanor replaced with something more serious. "You’re part of this place, (F/N). Part of our… odd little family here, whether you like it or not. If there’s a problem, it’s our business too."

I wasn’t sure how to respond. The idea of being part of something here, of them actually caring enough to notice, had never fully hit me until now.

"You’ve been working with us for years. It’s not like we don’t notice when something’s off," he added, his voice softer now. "Especially when someone who’s usually pretty good at holding things together comes back looking like they’ve been through hell."

For a brief moment, I felt a lump rise in my throat. I hadn’t expected anyone to notice, let alone Kuzan, who was usually so relaxed that I’d half-believed nothing could ever phase him.

"Thanks," I muttered quietly, looking down at the floor. "But really, it’s fine now. I’m back, I’ll get back to work, and everything will be back to normal."

He watched me for a long moment, then slowly shook his head. "Take the day off," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

"But I just got back—"

"You’re not fooling anyone," he cut me off, his voice soft but firm. "You’re not in any condition to be here right now."

I opened my mouth to protest, but he held up a hand, stopping me.

"Go home, rest, and if you don’t, I’ll make sure Kizaru knows you’re trying to overwork yourself again." He gave me a knowing look, and I realized he was absolutely serious.

The last thing I needed was Kizaru hovering around me like a mischievous cat, poking fun at how I couldn’t even take a proper vacation without getting into trouble. He’d never let me live it down.

"Alright, alright," I muttered, giving in. "I’ll go home. But only because I don’t want Kizaru bothering me."

Kuzan smirked, clearly pleased with himself. "Good choice."

As I turned to leave, I paused, glancing back at him. "Thanks, Kuzan. Really."

He waved a hand lazily, his usual laid-back demeanor returning. "No problem. Just don’t get into any more trouble, alright? I’d hate to see the paperwork if Sakazuki found out you’ve been hiding injuries."

I laughed softly, shaking my head. "I’ll try my best."

[luvrgirl4roman]

Solo Sikoa x Kyra (Black OC)

Warning: Mentions of sex and ab*rtion, Cussing, use of the N word.

Word Count: 1.8k

Part 1 you can find Here

Part 2

I can hear my heart beating out my chest as I sit on the bathroom floor of the suite in complete shock, looking through Christian’s phone. It turns out "D" is short for Danielle, and he met her at the gas station coming home from work one night about three months ago. They met up four times to hang out and had sex three of those times. There was a picture she sent last week, a digital pregnancy test that showed a "Pregnant" result. I stared at that picture for five minutes, my mind scrambling. They had been arguing the past week via text about whether to keep the baby or not; she wanted to, and he didn't.

I'll pay for everything to get it taken care of.

D : Nigga, are you serious? I'm not doing that. I'm having this baby, so get ready.

Since then, she’s been texting him every day and calling five to six times a day as well. Those calls have gone unanswered by him. I hear an "Oh shit" coming from the bedroom, followed by Christian’s footsteps pounding on the floor, getting closer to the door. I hop up and unlock it. My eyes are filled with tears as I open the door and hand him his phone, with the picture still on the screen. He looks at it in total shock.

"Kyra, I can expl—" "No need. The texts and that picture explained enough for me." I try to control my breathing as I step outside to the balcony to get some fresh air. When I come back in, Christian is on the edge of the bed with his head down.

"I'm sorry. Can we please talk this out?" he says to me.

 "I’ve been asking you for weeks to talk so we can figure this out. You didn’t want to, so I don’t want to talk anything out. All I want to know is why."

He puts his head down, ignoring my question.

"WHY? WHY WOULD YOU HURT ME LIKE THIS? I’VE BEEN NOTHING BUT GOOD TO YOU!"

...Silence.

"ANSWER ME!" I yell.

"My life felt like I was stuck in a routine. Wake up, work, home, eat, sleep, and repeat. I felt burnt out."

"So that means go fuck another girl—unprotected—and get her pregnant?!"

"No, I was at a weak point and needed something different. I made a mistake."

 "At this point, it's more than a mistake. A child is involved." "We can try and wo—"

I burst out laughing. "Nigga, you can't be serious right now. TELL ME YOU'RE JOKING! We can't work this out!"

"I'm so sorry I did this to us. I just want to fix it," he says as his voice cracks.

"I don't want to ruin my cousin's wedding with this, so please, let's act normal. But when we get home, I want you to get out. We’re done. You also will be sleeping on that couch in the front room." "Come on, please, don't do this."

"YOU DID THIS! So don’t act like it’s my fault you went out and cheated. Just grab your things and get out of this room."

Meanwhile, his phone has been ringing off the hook. He turns it off and starts grabbing his clothes, shoes, phone charger, and body wash. Once he gathers the last of his things, I slam the bedroom door in his face. I lay on the bed, looking at my phone, and see it’s almost 5 p.m. I can get an hour and a half nap before dinner tonight. I try to sleep but I can’t stop from crying. Before I know it I’m knocked out.

My alarm goes off at 6:30, and I sit up feeling refreshed—as if a weight has been lifted. I jump up to take a shower, rub my body down with my pineapple oil, and slip into a strapless push-up bra and black lace boy shorts. I’ve decided to wear my Shein tropical-print 2-piece crop top set with a maxi skirt and a slit riding up my thick thigh. I also put on my black platform sandals, big gold hoops, a gold necklace with the letter K, and a gold bracelet. I style my hair in a bun, spray on Paris Hilton, grab my purse, and get ready to head out.

Walking through the living room, I see Christian lying on the couch, sleeping. I’m glad he’s not coming tonight, I can't stand to look at his stupid ass. I arrive at the lobby lounge and immediately see Alyssa, Crissy, Alisha, and Ashley tucked away on a corner couch with shots already on the table.

"Hey y’all!"

 "Heyyyyyy," they reply in unison. "You look good as hell! That outfit is cute!" Ashley says.

 "Thank you, boo," I reply, sitting on the couch.

"We have food coming for the table, and then we can start the party," Alyssa says.

“Where’s Christian?” she asks. “He was feeling jet-lagged, so he stayed in for tonight to rest up for the ceremony tomorrow.” “Okay, that’s understandable.” “Where’s Brandon and his fine-ass friends!?” Crissy asks. “He went to get them from their suite; he’ll be back any minute,” Alyssa replies.

We continue catching up and some small talk. The food arrives, and then Brandon shows up with his friends and damn, they’re fine. Big Samoan men with tattoos, nice jewelry, and they smell good.

"Hello, future wife and ladies," Brandon says as he bends down to kiss his bride.

"Heyyy," we reply.

"These are my best friends since college Jimmy, Jey, and Roman. And this is Solo, my good friend who works with me."

 We all introduce ourselves, but when I lock eyes with Solo, I feel something different. It’s like a flame ignited inside me. When he smiles at me, I almost lose it. But I quickly compose myself, because if I start flirting, I’ll get asked about Christian and I don’t want to bring that drama into her wedding weekend. So, I bury my head in my phone and try to ignore any contact with him.

After four tequila shots and two Hawaiian Mai Tais, I was good and drunk. The hula show started, they began asking if anyone wanted to come up and learn. Suddenly, I was up there with them, getting ready to Hula. While they were teaching me , I could hear my cousin and her friends cheering me on. I was in my zone. The warm air against my skin, my arms and hips moving to the rhythm—everything felt so freeing. I closed my eyes and tried to dance away the stress from earlier. As I open my eyes, I look around at the beautiful ocean water and picturesque palm trees. I glanced over to check on my cousin, and I noticed Solo has locked eyes with me again. A rush of heat floods through me. I quickly return to my seat, and Alyssa asks if I want to go back to the men's suite, they’re having an after-party because they didn’t end the night early. I say yes eagerly, secretly wanting to hang out with Solo and see what he's about. The men pay our tabs, and we head back to their suite.

Once inside, I check my phone and see that Christian has called me four times and sent about ten texts. I block his number and tuck my phone into my purse. Before I can dwell on it, Ashley grabs my arm and pulls me outside with the rest of the ladies.

“Okay, who’s calling dibs on who?” she asks. “Well, Crissy and I already have our men,” Alyssa says. Now, why the hell would she speak for me? I think to myself.

“I want Roman,” Crissy declares. “Jey is fine as hell; I’m going with him,” Ashley adds.

 “I want Solo. He’s so fine, funny, and charming,” Alisha smiles.

FUCK, FUCK, FUCK! I scream internally.

We head to the bar area and make mixed drinks, while the others scatter to their respective corners with their men. Alyssa and I settle outside near the fire pit lounge to sit and talk.

“Bitch, I’m getting married tomorrow,” her drunk ass says to me.

 “I know, right? I’m so happy for you—finding someone you love and who loves you back,” I reply.  

“You found that too.”

“Not really,” I mumble under my breath.

 “Huh?”

 “Oh, nothing! You’re right.” I almost threw up saying those words.

After about ten minutes of gossiping about the guys, Brandon comes outside to get Alyssa so they can dance. I sit alone, staring at the water for about fifteen minutes, until I hear a man’s voice asking:

“Is this seat taken?”

I look up, and it’s Solo fine ass

“No, help yourself,” I say with the biggest grin on my face.

“You did great tonight at the Hula show,” he says.

 “Thank you so much.” As I begin to blush

“So, are you here by yourself?”

“No, I’m not. I’m here with my boyfriend.”

“I’m so sorry—I didn’t mean to disrespect—” As he begins to get up to leave, my mind says he should go, but my hand instinctively grabs his arm.

“You don’t have to leave,” I say softly.

 “I definitely don’t want to disrespect you if you’re with someone,” he responds.

“We can just talk if you want?” I ask.

“I’d love that,” he smiles.

Before we can even start a real conversation, Alyssa comes over and interrupts, saying we have a packed day tomorrow. She offers to walk me to my suite. Disappointed, I said goodnight to Solo and gather the other girls. We head back to our suites. The girls are blushing over the men, and I try not to blush myself. All I can think about is his scent, the movement of his lips, how he licked them every time we made eye contact—and those big arms in his black V-neck shirt. I wanted to stay longer, but I didn’t want Alyssa to grow suspicious.

“Ky…Ky…KYRA! Can you hear me!?” my cousin yells.

“Huh?”

“Girl, did you hear what I just said?”

“Girl, no, I’m drunk as hell, I’m spaced out—what do you want!” “We’re starting makeup for the wedding at 10, so be there then.” “I got you,” I reply.

We were so drunk that somehow, we ended up at my cousin’s suite. I dropped her off and headed back to my own suite. I dreaded going back because I was hit with the harsh reality that my two-year relationship was over.

Once inside, I tiptoe in and see that Christian is asleep again. I enter my room, undress, wrap my hair up, and fall into bed. The room starts spinning, and when I close my eyes, all I can think about is Solo’s body on top of me, his face buried into my neck as he’s deep inside of me.

I open my eyes again and feel overwhelmed by my reality. Exhausted and bittersweet, I drift off to sleep, unwilling to face tomorrow’s shenanigans.

Dividers: @saradika-graphics

[sorchathered]

Sacred New Beginnings- Chapter 6

A/N- sorry I’ve been so behind lately guys! Life has been kicking my ass and writers block has reared its ugly head. But I’m finally here, we are going to do a couple of time jumps in the future but if you’ve read Lover you know we have a happy ending, so don’t worry!

Summary- Jake and Stormy hadn’t seen each other in a month, finally a long weekend sees our lovers reunited, but not everything is smooth sailing.

Warnings- Drinking, language, a little bit of violence, smut (save a horse, ride cowboy Jake 🤠). Minors DNI.

Song inspo- “I miss you”- Adele

Pairing- Jake Seresin x reader (oc Stormy)

It had been nearly a month since you’d seen Jake, your perfect week in San Diego heavy on your mind as you packed your bag for the holiday weekend. The two of you had been swamped with work but every available hour of free time was spent on FaceTime, most nights falling asleep together through the phone.

Stepping out of the airport brought it all back, sometimes you still couldn’t believe he was really yours, especially when he was scooping you into his arms and carrying you bridal style to his truck, giggles pouring from your lips at his need to be touching you at all times.

He’d missed you so damn much, he’d barely made it in the door before he’d taken you up against the wall (you knew that sundress had been a good idea) and then again in the shower before you both finally collapsed in the sheets of his California king bed he’d let you pick out before you went back to Florida.

Waking up to him would always be your favorite thing, he looked so at peace and almost boyish in the mornings it made your heart clench as your eyes took him in. Heavy body half slung over yours, perfect hair in complete disarray as he let out little snores (that he vehemently denied were a thing).

You’d spent the day at the beach catching up with the daggers and getting all the hot gossip from Phoenix and Bob’s wife Ellie. Rooster had been relocated to the Golden Warriors due to an altercation he’d had with Jake on your last visit, he and Mirage were apparently working on a relationship and she was still very much pregnant. You had ripped him to shreds before you left and hoped he would get his shit together so it was refreshing to hear that he at least seemed to be trying for his future child. Ellie also spilled the beans that she and Bob’s newest baby would be a little girl, their very first and you had to laugh and say a silent prayer for her 3 big brothers, sweet little thing would no doubt be spoiled rotten.

—————————————————————-

Dinner and drinks at the Hard Deck were a must, you never thought you’d be so nostalgic for one of Penny’s greasy cheeseburgers and a night of pool with your friends. You offered to grab the next round of beers, copping a feel of your super hot boyfriend as you passed, truly the man had no right to look this good. It made it more and more difficult to leave San Diego being in his orbit, he’d clearly been spending way more time in the gym without you around and it definitely showed, you were pretty sure one wrong move would split the sleeves of his button up from the swell of his biceps and it had you hot and bothered already.

Penny rang up your beers as you two chatted and got caught up, but you noticed a concerned look from her in the direction of your group that had you craning your neck to see the issue. You’d barely been gone 5 minutes and already two of the little tag chasers that frequented the bar every weekend were crowding Jake and Javy, barely there tops and cut off shorts leaving very little to the imagination as you caught one of the girls place her hand on Jake’s chest.

“Hey no fighting in my bar Stormy, you know the rules” Penny said with a gentle hand on yours, she should practically see the steam billowing from your ears as you took the scene in.

“I know the rules Pen, I promise to be sweet as pie” you scooped up the beers and gave her a wink, she groaned and facepalmed as she mentally prepared herself for what you had in store for those poor unsuspecting idiots.

Natasha caught your eye as you placed the beers on the table, probably a little rougher than was necessary and she tried to catch your arm but you easily slipped from her grasp as you looped through the crowd of your friends. Jake looked a little panicked when he saw your face, he had tried to warn them off that his girlfriend was here and he wasn’t the least bit interested but these girls were persistent, one had even gone so far as to suggest you could come home with them and watch and Javy had to stop himself from laughing directly in her face. You didn’t share and you certainly didn’t take kindly to someone trying to touch your man, so when you’d crossed the threshold to the pool table everyone seemed to stop what they were doing, very interested in seeing where this situation would go.

One of the girls had her hand on Jake’s bicep as he was trying to let her know his girlfriend was behind her, as she whipped around to say something snarky but it all died in her throat when you grasped a handful of her hair and yanked her backwards.

“Didn’t your mama ever teach you to keep your hands to yourself?” You said as you pushed her towards her friend, both of them stumbling backwards in their ridiculous stilettos.

“Look honey I get that you think you’re something special but your “boyfriend” isn’t the relationship type, he’s told me so before several times after we’ve hooked up so I-“

She didn’t get very far before you lunged at her, it took Jake, Javy and Mickey to hold you back as the bell rang out from the bar. You hadn’t hurt anyone yet but Penny decided it was best to send both girls packing before she had to call a coroner to collect them. You were fuming, once they’d been sent overboard the boys let you go, you smacked all of them on the arms as you wrenched yourself from their grasp, stomping out the back exit with your middle finger in their general direction. Jake was on your heels with a promise that he’d keep you from hunting them down, catching you just as you slammed your fist into the weathered wood of the building.

He grabbed your hand before you could do anymore damage and you half wanted to rip his head off, looking every bit your callsign with the storm raging in your eyes.

“Baby, come on, look at me please? Don’t worry about those girls, you know they don’t mean shit to me…right?” He suddenly looked very worried at the thought that you might not believe him. “You do know that don’t you?”

You swiped the tears from your eyes before you could get more emotional and let him pull you into his arms, you weren’t really pissed at him and deep down he knew that. “Of course I do Jake, you’ve never lied to me, it's just still new with us, sometimes I forget just how many of these girls have been one night stands, I’d be lying if it doesn’t make me feel a little jealous. I feel like I need to keep you locked up in the house, it should be illegal for you to look this good.”

He throws his head back and laughs at that, but you’re serious. He’s yours now and you want everyone to know that the only girl Hangman is taking home is you.

You slide your hand across the back of his scalp and give a sharp tug, making his eyes fly open as he tries to stifle a moan.

“Does it look like I’m joking Seresin? You want to swagger around here in your half buttoned shirt and slutty jeans, getting me all hot and bothered? You like making me jealous? Maybe we need to go home so I can show you who you belong to since you seem to have forgotten.”

His pupils are blown and irises nearly nonexistent, you can feel him hot and hard pressed against your thigh, you know this side of you has got him right where you want him.

“You just say the word sugar and we can head home, I’ll even get on my knees and beg you to forgive me.” He says a little shakily, he’s not at all used to someone else being in control but damn he wants to see where you take this, it may be the hottest thing he’s ever seen watching you be dominant and a little mean to him. He’d fuck you right on the pool table in front of everyone right now if you asked, he’s starting to worry the two of you might not make it home without him taking you.

It didn’t take much convincing to leave the group shortly after, you were still angry and Jake was definitely too turned on by it to continue playing pool. You barely said a word on the ride home, and didn’t give him the chance to open your door as you marched into his house, disappearing down the hallway to the bedroom. He shook his head and chuckled a little, it was hard to take you seriously when he knew the end result would be the two of you fucking but he had no idea what you had in store.

——————————————————————

You’d planned on making this weekend a little adventurous anyways but now you were angry and determined, overcome with the need to be in charge. So when Jake stepped into your space seeing you stripped down to your lingerie you refused to let him touch you, swatting his hands away and pushing him towards the mattress.

“C’mon baby you aren’t still mad are you?” Jake huffed as you took both his hands and bound them with the rope you’d originally brought for him to use on you.

“You promised you’d beg for forgiveness Jakey, so that’s exactly what’s gonna happen. No touching, no cumming until I say so, by the time I’m done with you I’ll have you a ruined mess. How’s that sound?” You were eyeing him with curiosity, you’d always let him take the lead in bed but you had a feeling he would like this more than he had ever let on. You definitely weren’t disappointed as you saw his eyes darken, he was practically salivating at your words and you hadn’t even touched him yet. Grasping his chin between your fingers you hovered your lips against his, every time he leaned forward you pulled back and by the third time he was whining, you knew he’d be putty in your hands but this was better than you’d expected.

“Baby I-I’ll do whatever you want, fuck just-just kiss me please and then you can string me up six ways to Sunday, I’ll be good I promise.” He had the cutest little pout going and you couldn’t help but lean in and give him what he wanted, running your hands through his golden hair and licking into his mouth as he tried to scoot closer to you, poor thing probably didn’t even realize he was doing it until you stepped away from him completely soaking in his pink cheeks and glazed eyes.

“Alright sweet boy, you got your kisses. Sit still and be good, promise I’ll make it worth your while. I need you to tell me if it’s too much though, ok?” You lean in to press kisses to his forehead as he nodded enthusiastically and you try to stifle a laugh, he’s like a damn puppy just trying to get your attention.

“Alright baby, lay back. Think I might give you something you’ve been asking for first, gonna let me ride your pretty face? How’s that sound?”

He scoots to the headboard as fast as he possibly can with his hands tied, gazing up at you as you remove your skimpy underwear and climb up his body, pressing kisses and nips to his skin and oh you might just be hooked on all the little noises he’s making. Finally settled above his face he gives you that million dollar grin you love so much, and licks from your entrance to your clit, testing the waters as he goes through all the little tricks that have proven to have you a moaning mess, the room filling with sounds of you both and the lewd wet noises as Jake ate at you like a starved man. Once he’d sent you over the edge, white knuckling the headboard as you cried out for him you felt a little more at ease, but you wanted more. He had a bit of a kink for edging you and you’d always wanted to give him a taste of his own medicine, so you climbed off of him with jelly legs and splayed your naked body on top of his, pressing his tied wrists above his head as you tasted yourself on his tongue and ground your obscenely wet pussy all over his clothed cock, he was hard as a rock bucking up into you at the delicious friction. Pulling him from his briefs caused him to hiss into your mouth, and you pulled back to nip at his jaw, seeking out the spot on his neck that was most sensitive.

“Oh fuck, baby come on now, you can’t just tease me like this forever- Jesus Christ-“

You’d found the spot evidently, that combined with you grinding yourself across his erection, letting your clit bump against the head as he flexed his hands against the rope. “Shhhh, let me have my fun baby, ohh ohhh it feels so good, shit you feel so fucking good” you were close again already and Jake was losing his mind, in reality he could get out of these knots fairly easily but he’d promised to be good, maybe he had a death wish but saying underneath you like this would be a damn good way to go. He felt himself getting close, you could tell he was nearly there when you wrenched yourself away from him and watched the look of shock cross him as the neediest whine you’d ever heard came from your big hulking boyfriend.

He was leaking like a damn faucet in your hand, tip angry red while his chest heaved, an artist couldn’t begin to try and sculpt how gorgeous he looked to you, your mouthy over the top man was quickly being reduced to a puddle and you were thrilled with the result. You proceeded to play with him and back off two more times with your hands and mouth before he was thrashing his head back and forth, a sob bubbling up from his chest.

“Please-please baby I can’t anymore you win, next girl that comes near me is gonna know I’m yours before she even gets close enough, f-fuck shit I can’t- love you so fucking much”

You laved your tongue over the head of his cock and batted your eyelashes, you definitely got the appeal now as you took in his sweaty form, poor Hangman; reduced to near tears in under an hour just from his sweet little girlfriend, if you were honest you enjoyed it a little too much. Sliding back up his body you removed the ropes, kissing at his wrists and he sighed in relief, he kept his hands to himself as he waited to see if you’d give him what he needed.

“Go ahead Jakey, take what you want baby I’m all yours.”

He flipped you both over immediately, sucking on your tongue as he slammed into you, loud moans and harsh slapping noises coming from your bodies as he sought out his release.

“Fuckin mean, toying with me like that sugar. You know you’re all I’ve wanted, think about this pretty pussy gripping me tight all fucking day, give anything to fuck you like this every night. Nobody makes me feel as good as you do- no one. Love you so goddamn much.”

Now he’s turned you into the moaning mess, playing with your clit as he fucked you hard, you were on the edge again he could feel you pulsing around him, pulling your face into his he sucked your bottom lip and came, desperately grinding up against him as you rode the aftershocks together.

You couldn’t believe what had come over you and you put your hands over your face and giggled. He laughed at how cute you looked and stole kisses, you both needed to get up and shower but these little moments were so scarce these days that he couldn’t help but stay put as long as you’d let him.

——————————————————————

Sunday morning was lazy lovemaking and breakfast in bed, before he finally had to help you pack up to head back to the airport. You’d been a bucket of tears the whole car ride, practically in his lap in the truck the second he’d parked.

“We got this baby” he’d said as he walked you to security, and your heart broke with every step you had to take to get on your plane. Once a month would never be enough, you both wanted a lifetime, it was time to make some changes.

Jake Seresin Masterlist

Tagging- @mamamaystbr @mamachasesmayhem @bobgasm @attapullman @roosterforme @pinkdaisies9285 @djs8891 @jessicab1991 @the-aspiring-fanfic-writer @mygyn @angelbabyyy99 @86laura11 @shanimallina87 @floydsglasses @jostan456 @kmc1989 @dempy @its-the-pilot @mrsevans90 @purelyfiction @nouis-bum

[keep-both-eyes-on-trump]

The year was 2016, the month November. I was sat at the front desk of my apartment building complex–hair, pristine; uniform, immaculate; anxiety, rampantly uncontrolled–ostensibly working although I was really obsessively refreshing the election results on the work computer every two minutes watching as Donald Trump inched closer and closer to victory. I had voted for the first time, having sat the 2012 election out still steeped in conservative values but thinking that President Obama guy was doing a pretty good job of it, for Hillary Clinton and was dismayed at the election results that confirmed Trump's victory in the early morning hours and endlessly frustrated with his presidency thereafter.

The 2024 election went differently in some ways and the same, unfortunately, in others. I voted early for Vice President Harris, turned in early to be up in time the next day for work tentatively hopeful, and, surprisingly, slept rather well. The election wasn't called when I got up, but it was clear Trump was once again on the path to victory. A half hour later the AP called it for Trump.

I gave myself a moment to process, then quietly got ready, ate breakfast, told my dog I loved him, and stepped out under the still dark sky to drive about three hours to the other side of the state. A three hour drive that gave me much longer to process and have a chat with a friend about how fucked we possibly were for the forseeable future.

And, somewhere during that three hour drive and surrounded by my insufferable fellow drivers, I had an idea. I was going to start a blog.

“Why?” No one asked me since I was in a car alone.

I've never been one for journaling, I've never been one for speaking about strong feelings aloud. And, though I despise Trump as a person and generally despise many of his so-called accomplishments of his first term, I had honestly done my level best to bury my head under a rock the last time he was in office. Not this time. This time I am going to watch. I am going to feel. I am going to write.

In a strange way I am relieved. The election is over. I know where the country stands. And I know where I stand.

So here I am now, eight years later–hair, in need of a trim honestly; anxiety, what my therapist calls somewhat controlled; faith in this country, justifiably absent–embarking on a journey that may very well end short of Trump’s term if my therapist has anything to say about it. Is it healthy to emesh myself in watching Trump's moves as this country's president? Probably not. Will it be enjoyable? Almost definitely not. Am I going to commit to it anyway? Yes.

For all those who stand today disappointed, angry, and anxious: you are not alone. We are still here. We still have a voice.

The Watcher

[fandomtherapy44]

Sober buddies Chapter two: Email chains and party facts

Summary: Y/n is new at college and trying to find a footing in everything. When she meets a guy who introduces her to something that could really help find her path.

warnings: Swearing, Alluding to SA, Y/n getting hurt

WC/ 3.029k

AN/ Hey Ya'll welcome to my series I'm so excited to make this series. So it will use some plot lines from season six but a lot will change including CJ but his key character notes will still be there. Without further ado enjoy Sober buddies.

I got the divider from

Firefly Graphics

Friends…I haven’t had one in a while. Jack, Jen, Joey, Pacey, even Audrey, and I had become quick ones. I just hope I won't mess up these friendships too. Joey was going through the ringer right now. I know how it feels. She and Dawson always seemed to have something pulling them apart from what I've been told about their previous years as friends.

I went out to get some coffee and doughnuts hoping that would cheer her up. “Hi, can I please get three americanos and some chocolate glazed doughnuts?” I told the underpaid employee. 

“Yeah, sure.” I reached into my pocket, pulled out a twenty, and handed it to her. Her face lit up. “Thank you!” 

“No problem. Thank you, and have a great day!” I was mostly focused on the coffee and food that I almost ran into with my sober buddy. “Hey CJ, what’s up?” He looked down at the close mess in my hands. 

“Coffee, it looks like it needs some help?” 

“Oh my gosh yes please!” I handed him the coffee. 

“Where we heading?” 

“My dorm,” I happily replied. We walked and the morning air was still a little crisp and the sunlight was hitting the trees to make pretty shadows on the sidewalk. 

“So, are you excited to start training?” CJ asked me as I was a little distracted by the lighting. 

“Yes I am, it's also going to be good to be away from Audrey and all her dramatic flair. I mean, she’s great but it's like looking through a mirror sometimes.” 

“What do you mean by that?” CJ asked and I realized what I said and tried to backpedal. 

“Uh, you know, girls being girls.” Ok, that was not a very good response. “So who’s training me?” I try to distract both of us. It works. 

“Me.” I stop in my step. 

“That’s awesome!” I excitedly say. 

“You get happy easily, don’t you?” CJ half commented and half asked me with a chuckle. 

“Is that a bad thing?” I hope it wasn’t- it’s kind of what I’m betting on I thought. 

“No no, it’s kind of refreshing.” We had already arrived at my dorm. I stopped to look at him and to think about his response- no one had said that to me before. I looked around and it seemed, for just a second, time stood still. 

“Well, thanks for the help and I’ll see you tomorrow,  ok!” I grabbed the coffee and went into the room, pushing him out. 

“You’re wel-” I closed the door. It was getting a little too… real.

The sight I walked into was sad. Joey was hunched over her laptop, agonizing over this email to Dawson that she hadn’t even sent. I put down the drinks and food, walked over and turned off her computer. 

“Wha- Y/N!” Joey whipped around. 

“Joey, you have been staring at that screen for two hours, the entire time I’ve been gone, and you still have only ‘Dear Dawson’ written. You need a break.” I picked up her doughnut and coffee and handed them to her in her baffling state. “Which is why I got you these.” She breathes in deeply. 

“You’re right, thank you Y/N.” 

I sit down on my bed and turn to Joey. “So, now you have caffeine and food. You want to tell me why you haven’t sent the email yet?” I finished by sipping my coffee. Joey sighs looking into her cup almost wishing she could drown in it. 

“I’m stuck.” 

“Why?” She gets up and starts to pace back and forth. 

“Because of the way we left things were so awkward and I just wanted to scream and hug him at the same time.” I patted the seat next to me and she sat down. 

“It sounds like you know what to say.” Joey looks puzzled. “Joey, Dawson is one of your best friends. Whatever is in that email, at least you have gotten it out. I'm sure he’s stressing out over a similar email to you.” She seems unsure. “You can always blame me if it goes wrong.” I joked as I bumped her. She smiled at that. 

“Thank you Y/N, you’re a pretty great friend.” 

“You are too, Joey.”

That night as I was closing my eyes, my mind was active. My life is going pretty great! I have friends that like me, a job I help people with, a guy that is-

“Y/N WAKE UP!” 

I screamed as I tumbled out of bed causing Audrey to wake up too. “WHAT IS IT? EARTHQUAKE- A FIRE?!” I responded as I was half asleep and panicked disorderly grabbing my robe. 

It was Joey who screamed at me. “No, nothing like that!” I paused to look at her. 

“Then why the Hell the military wake-up call!?” Her face was red from being embarrassed. 

“I sent the email to the whole school!” My eyes went wide as Audrey replied. 

“Well, why did you do that, sweetie?” 

“Audrey! Not helping!” I told her over my shoulder. She grubbles and falls back down with a flop. 

“I don’t know what to do!” She sat down throwing her hands in her face. 

“Okay, this is what we do: we ignore it.” She looked up at me with tears in her eyes. 

“Y/N! What do you mean, ignore it!?” 

“Well, it’s not like everyone knows you so maybe you can get away with it?” I tried to help but honestly, she would just have to face the music.

Thankfully I hadn’t heard about the email, but to be fair, I hadn’t been in a lot of classes. I walked into The Stand building and saw CJ sitting on a desk looking over some papers. He was so focused on it that he didn’t see me enter. 

“What are we looking at?” I slide right next to him. 

“Y/N! You startled me.” He put his hand over his chest as if I caused a heart attack. 

“Sorry, I thought you saw me.” 

“It’s okay. I’m looking over a few practice questions to ask you.” 

“Great, I’m ready!” He smiles at my enthusiasm and sits down in the chair. 

“Okay, question number one….” 

It had been about an hour into our session ten questions in and I had been nailing all of them. “Wow Y/n you’re a natural at this,” CJ exclaimed. 

“Really?” He nods his head agreeably. 

“You will be answering phones in no time.” I blush and try to hide by turning my head down when my ears peak an interesting conversion. 

“CJ- give me one sec, okay.” I didn’t even let him answer before I overheard another conversation and listened in. 

“I mean, did you see that email? It’s so pathetic.” A redheaded girl was sitting on a desk laughing at her boy-toy whose eyes were going right up her skirt. 

“Yeah, it’s so pathetic haha,” He mindlessly responded. Of course, he didn’t have an original thought. The only thought he did have was what was below the waistline. “I mean who writes about sex like that.” She laughed again and this time her laugh really irritated my ears. 

“Hey guys!” I walked over to them, taking a friendly approach- maybe I could go about this peacefully. The redheaded girl looked me up and down and scoffed. 

“What the fuck do you want loser?” My eyes widened at that and CJ turned his head to hear that. 

“Linsey!” Even the boy-toy was surprised at her response. CJ walks over quickly ready to defend me. 

“CJ- it’s okay, I got this,” I said to him making sure that he didn’t get too mad. He steps back but is disgruntled. I turn back to Linsey. 

“It was Linsey, right?” She gets up off the desk and in front of me. 

“Yeah, what’s it to you?” 

“Well, I’m just wondering why you’re making fun of a girl that you don't even know when you’re working at a helpline. Seems kind of hypocritical, don't you think?” Lindsey is left speechless and her face turns beat red. 

“I- You-” She stomps out. “Ryan let’s go!” She yelled after him. 

“So, you doing anything after this?” The guy tried so smoothly to ask me. 

“RYAN! LET’S GO!” She yelled after him. 

“I think your owner is calling for you,” I responded and his F-boy smile disappeared. 

“Whatever bitch, you could have had all this.” I now scoff at him. 

“Yeah, if all it takes for you to stay is an open invitation to someone’s legs who makes fun of strangers like that, then I think I’m good.” I nod at him. He goes running after Linsey. “Sorry CJ about that, what was the next question?” I walked back over to him and he was just staring at me. “What is it?” 

He shakes his head, “Nothing, you just seem to surprise me every time we meet, Y/N.” He finishes with a smile. 

“Well, I have to keep you on your toes somehow.” We just laughed at my joke and I’m left with this feeling of…comfort that I hadn’t felt in a while. It's nice.

A couple of days have passed, and luckily the email talk died down a little. I didn't tell Joey about Linsey because it would have just made things worse for her. I was studying when Audrey came running into the room. 

“Y/N what are you doing?” I looked at the book and then back at her we really needed to work on context clues. 

“Studying, Audrey, which you should be doing too. We have a test next week.” She comes right next to me. 

“Y/N, all you do is study.” 

“Not true… I eat too.” I chuckled at my own joke Audrey did not. 

“It is the biggest party of the year! You’re coming!” Before I have time to reject she grabs my book and locks it in her chore.

“Audrey!” 

“You will get it back at the end of the night.” She saw my disappointed downfall look and got to my level. “You need some fun, Y/N, you are twenty-two; the books will be there tomorrow, but tonight will not.” I thought about it, Audrey was right. I needed to let loose- hopefully the loud music and friends would help that. 

“Okay, I’ll go.” Audrey claps in happiness.

“You’re not going to wear that are you?” I look down at my simple outfit. 

“What’s wrong with it?”

“Nothing- nothing, you look great!” Audrey responds in a not-so-sure voice.

We had gone into a bar to meet up with Jack and Jen. “Hey guys.”

“Hey.” Audrey goes to call Pacey while the three of us chat. Suddenly, Audrey comes back to us with a sad face. 

“I think I’m going to go home guys.” Jen and I both look at each other as if to say: really. 

“Audrey, the whole reason I came out was because of you.” I took her hand in mine and gave her a small smile. 

“Pacey can’t come out.” I now understood the change-up from her party mood, things between Pacey and Audrey have been strained to say at least. 

“I’m sorry, but we can still have fun, isn’t that right guys?” I called out to Jack and Jen. Jen grabs Audrey’s other hand. 

“Yeah, I want to forget my troubles like a typical college girl, dance on tables screaming ‘Whoo whoo’ and it will be all for nothing if I don't get reminded of it in ten years by you.” She gripped Audrey’s hand. 

“Alright, you’ve convinced me.” I jump in excitement. 

“Yes! Okay, all hands in!” We all put our hands in. “1,2,3!” Our hands fly up in the air of the promise of a fun night.

The four of us were just walking to the party when I realized that I didn’t know where the party was. “Uh, guys, do we even know where the party is?” I asked out loud to the three of them. They all shrug their shoulders. “So we are just wandering around.” I laughed at the situation as we crossed the street. 

“Ohh…ohh! I think I know where the party is, I think it’s in that house down the alley next to that free food bin store.” I was puzzled by that. 

“Audrey, that's a grocery store. You are supposed to put the food in the little baggies and pay for them.” 

“Really?” She questioned when she was walking backward and then ran into someone. “Pacey?” 

The party was what you think a college party is, loud, bright, and dark somehow at the same time filled with tons of drunk people. Audrey was going on about how Pacey was not contributing anything to their relationship lately, especially tonight. 

“I’m sorry guys, we are supposed to be having fun tonight and I just keep on going.” I get up and put my hand on her shoulder. 

“It’s okay, I’ll get you some water.” She was already a little tipsy. I didn't want her to get worse. I knew it could, very easily, from my own experience.

“I’ll come too.” Jen got up and caught up with me. 

The bar was tiny and was half-assed by the frat boys that lived here. Lots of people were crowded around it of course. 

“Hi, can I get a beer,” Jen ordered for herself. 

“Water for me please,” I ordered. We turn and Jen comes in chest-to-chest with CJ, spilling her beer all over him. 

“Oh, my God. Look what l did.” she starts trying to rub it out. I give him a little wave and he nods back. 

“That's okay. it was my fault, really.” 

“Oh, no, jeez. You don't even– l mean, you're-- You don't even drink. Like Y/N. And I’m sure it's cold and smelly, and I’m touching you…and I’m gonna stop.” She pauses and just stands there for a second. “Hi. Okay. You caught me. I’m drunk. Yep, I’m a drunkard. Escaping reality. That's me. But you know what? This is a party… and at parties, people drink. And maybe that bothers you. Maybe you think it's weak. But you shouldn't go to a party where there's gonna be drunk people because that's what's gonna happen. Drinking. It’s just a party fact.” I wonder if she really thinks I think less of her because she drinks. 

“You think I’m the lamest person on the earth, don't you?” CJ countered.

“No. No. Not at all. I’m sure you're, like, tons of fun.” She bit back sarcastically. 

“Okay Jen, I think you need this water more than I do. Why don’t you go back to Audrey to check on her?” She grabs the water and walks back to our friends.

“I’m sorry CJ, that was my first time seeing her drunk as well.” I look at his shirt. “I know a trick to get that out.” I pointed at the beer. 

“That would be great.” We go to the bathroom. I open the cabinet and look for some hydrogen peroxide. 

“Um, can you take off your shirt?”  

“Sure.” He pulls it off so easily. I grab it and pour water and hydrogen peroxide on it. 

“So now we just wait thirty minutes and when you wash it the stain shouldn’t be there.” 

“Thanks.” 

“No problem. I just realized that this is the first party where we can use the sober buddy system,” I said. He gives me a smirk and grabs my cup giving it a sniff and a sip. 

“Yep, just like I thought- you’re good.” The silence was long but comfortable. “So how long have you been sober for?” He asked me. 

“For about two years, you?” He looks down into my cup. 

“Four years.” 

“Four years- wow, that is amazing! I can’t wait to get there.” He grabs my hand in silence. 

“You will.”

We had left the bathroom walking when I saw Jen arguing with someone on the steps upstairs. “Jen, what’s going on?” I ask with concern CJ right behind me. 

“This guy took Audrey upstairs and she’s about to pass out.” Adrenaline mixed with worry flooded my veins. 

“Move,” I said to the guy blocking us.

“Look, my friend is good, you don’t have to worry.” I’m about to pull out my inner Batman. 

“Then it won’t be a problem that we go check.” CJ shoved the guy aside. Jen and I practically run upstairs. Luckily the room was open. “Audrey let’s go.” I gently grabbed her hand and Jen took the other. At this moment, the promise that we would have fun tonight was broken.

“Hey let go!” The guy shoved me back into the wall to grab back onto Audrey. 

“Y/N!” Before he can do more CJ grabs him by the collar. 

“You want to try that again!?” The guy throws his arms up in truce CJ throws him on the bed. 

“You okay?” He helped me up. I nod trying to swallow my tears. 

“Let’s go.”

Unlike the earlier comfortable walk with CJ, this walk back to my dorm was filled with melancholic silence. Jen had gone to her grandma’s house but not before checking on me. 

“You sure you’re okay?” 

“I am, I'll call you tomorrow.” We hug.

I put Audrey in her bed and she fell asleep instantly. I get a glass of water and aspirin to put on her side table. I step outside the room to breathe and process and CJ is there. “Hey, you stayed.” I walk over to sit next to him. 

“I wanted to make sure you were okay.” I wanted to hug him but I didn’t. 

“Thank you but I’ll be fine. About what happened tonight- I don’t want to think about what would have happened if I wasn’t there.” He puts his hand on my knee squeezing it. 

“Well, you were there, and again, you are a great friend.” I smile at that. 

“And thank you for your help.” 

“What kind of friend or sober buddy would I be if I didn’t?” I finally recognize that feeling I’ve been having: it’s of a true friend. 

[sofasoap]

Little Comfort

Pairing: Johnny “Soap” MacTavish x F!Reader

Summary: Long day at work. You had enough.

Warning : M themed. no major warning. A/N: We all need a Johnny after a long shitty day at work.

Part 3 of Little Bear series Masterlist

You slam your laptop shut, leaning back into the chair and let out a painful groan as you send out that last analysis report. 

It’s been a long painful day. The long meetings that went around in circles, going nowhere.

Piles and piles of documents and reports to finish off.

You had enough. The urge of strangling your annoying manager and workmate was interrupted by the soft shrilling sound of your ringtone.

“Hello Johnny.” 

“Hey my little bear. I assume you finished work?” 

“Just about. I am sorry I had to cancel our date night tonight.” Rubbing your eyes as you replied tiredly. You were supposed to be home hours ago, spending quality time with your boyfriend who’s only arrived home the day before from his latest deployment. Guilt starts bubbling up from your stomach. “They piled on last minute work onto me at the end of day, I couldn’t…”

Knowing you too well, he interrupted, “Don’t worry about it bonnie. Come home and I’ll take care of ya. We can just order some takeaway and have a date night at home?”

“That sounds heavenly. See you at home in ten minutes?.”

“Drive safe. Love you little bear.”

Hearing his soft baritone voice was enough to wash half of your stress away. He always knows how to make you feel better. You don’t know how you got so lucky to have Johnny as your boyfriend. You miss him so much during his time away, and now you are wasting precious seconds of your short time together before he gets sent away, in the office. At the thought of that, you quickly lock up the office, rushing home.

As soon as you step through the door of the house, Johnny takes the messenger bag and keys off you and ushers you straight into the bathroom.

“I got the bath ready for you. Even threw in some of your favourite bath bombs into it.” he rambled on as he helped you to undress. “Oh, before I forget,” He slapped his forehead. “What do you feel like? We have choices of…. Chinese, Thai, Italian, or… “ pointing to himself, grinning “ A MacTavish Special?” 

You burst out laughing, giving your boyfriend a playful shove, “ I might have that as a midnight snack thank you.” Letting out a soft sigh as you step into the bath,“ You pick. I’m happy with anything.” “Pizza it is then.” He gave you a quick kiss and turned to order the takeaway on his phone, leaving you soaking in a nice steamy bath. 

Nice and refreshed from the relaxing bath you just had, you plonk yourself down onto the couch. Johnny poured you a glass of wine, shaking out the blanket, carefully wrapping it around you. 

"Johnny."

"Yes bonnie?"

"... Thank you for taking care of me."

"You deserve to be pampered, my little teddy bear."

"Why?"

"Because I love you."

Tag list :

@a-small-writer-in-a-big-world

@kaplerrr

@homicidal-slvt

@floral-force @okayyadriana