ialreadymadeyouapromise

[ialreadymadeyouapromise]

𝐉𝐔𝐒𝐓 𝐍𝐄𝐄𝐃 𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄.

PAIRING: abby anderson x fem!reader WARNINGS: no use of y/n GENRE: fluff SONG INSPIRATION: my kind of woman - mac demarco WORD COUNT: 1.3k NOTE: i need more people to write soft abby rahhh

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the door clicked shut behind you, and for a second, just a second. you stood there in the hallway, staring at the handle as if it would explain what the last seventy two hours had taken out of you.

your body ached. not just in your muscles, even though those were screaming too. but deep in your bones. the kind that settles under your skin and makes you feel hollow. 

you were too tired to think straight, too wired to rest.

so you did what your body moved you to do. walking into the bathroom, peeling off your stained clothes. the water ran long enough to fog the mirror and soak into your hair until it hung limp against your shoulders, but even then you didn’t move. 

you just stood under the stream, forehead against the tile, eyes closed, letting the water try to wash off the days.

it didn’t work. but it helped.

now wrapped up in a towel, hair still damp, skin prickling with leftover cold, you stepped out. 

pushing the door open gently.

and there she was.

the room was dim, the main lights off, only the soft orange glow of a desk lamp left on. it cast a warm ring across the blankets, catching the curve of abby’s shoulder, the shine of her hair. she was sprawled across your bed. 

back propped on a pillow, one hand behind her head, the other curled around the spine of a book resting against her thigh. her legs were lazily parted, one sock halfway off, her usual post shower disarray that she never cared to fix.

you didn’t realise you were holding your breath until it left your lungs in one ragged exhale.

the towel clutched around your chest suddenly felt flimsy. not because you were embarrassed. god, no, but because standing there in front of her like that, exhausted and finally home, you were seconds from crying. 

you hadn’t let yourself cry out there. not even when the storm had hit. not even when you were sure you wouldn’t make it back. but now? in front of her?

abby looked up, book pausing mid line.

something in her expression softened instantly. she didn’t speak. she just pressed her thumb into the page crease and slipped the bookmark into place before closing the book and setting it quietly on the nightstand.

then she opened her arms.

you didn’t hesitate.

you crossed the room before sinking into her. her hands came up immediately, one between your shoulder blades, the other low on your back, fingers spreading to cover as much of you as they could. you breathed her in. soap and abby. your towel shifted slightly as her arm wrapped tighter around your middle, but neither of you cared.

no urgency. no words.

just the sound of your breath against her collarbone. the brush of her fingers up and down your spine.

the silence stretched. full. full of what hadn’t been said on the radio. full of what couldn’t be said in front of the others. full of the way your bodies molded into each other.

as your eyes fluttered shut against her neck, you felt her chest rise with a deep inhale.

“i missed you,” she whispered first.

you barely managed your own reply, words muffled against her skin.

“i missed you more.”

her fingers gripped you just a little tighter at that.

you weren’t sure how long you stayed like that. pressed into her front, arms tangled, her thumb tracing mindless shapes on your back. you could’ve fallen asleep just like that, towel damp against your skin, cheek nestled into the hollow of her collarbone. 

but she shifted.

not away. just enough to lean up on one elbow, looking down at you with that soft crease in her brow she always got when she worried.

“you’re cold,” she murmured.

you blinked slowly, still somewhere between asleep and floating.

“‘m’fine,” you mumbled, but you were shivering, you knew she felt it.

she didn’t argue. abby wasn’t the type. she just kissed your forehead and slid out from beneath you, legs swinging over the edge of the mattress. the bed dipped as she stood, moving toward the drawers on her side. 

you watched her, eyes heavy lidded, towel slipping dangerously low on your chest. 

she wore only a tank top and shorts, arms bare, muscles shifting as she bent to rummage.

she came back with one of her shirts. one of the older ones, soft and worn thin in places. you knew it well; she wore it on days she needed comfort. you knew it smelled like her even before you’d buried your face in it.

she knelt beside the bed, tugged gently at your towel. “arms up.”

you obeyed without a word. the towel slipped to your waist as she helped you out of it, not rushing, not leering, just… tender. 

the shirt went on next. loose and long on you, falling to mid thigh. it smelled of her skin and the detergent you both hated but used anyway. she smoothed it down over your stomach before climbing back onto the bed behind you.

then came the brush.

you’d left it sitting on the nightstand, still damp from a hasty post shower attempt earlier. she reached for it wordlessly, moving behind you so your back was tucked against her legs. she gathered your damp hair in one hand, gently tugging it free from where it clung to your neck.

“don’t fall asleep yet,” she said softly, attempting to run her fingers through it. “you’ll wake up with a bird’s nest.”

you snorted a little. “wouldn’t be the first time.”

“yeah, but then i have to deal with it.”

you smiled.

the first pass of the brush through your hair made your whole body exhale. she was slow with it, starting at the ends like she always did, always gentle. she worked in silence for a bit, her hand resting against your neck whenever she paused to untangle a knot.

then, quietly, she started talking.

“today was boring,” she sighed. “inventory all morning. they keep screwing up the count in med storage. manny kept blaming the new kid, but it was actually him. he got defensive, so i told him he could do the math next time.”

you chuckled sleepily, leaning back into her legs.

she brushed a little slower.

“i saw nora at lunch. she asked about you. i didn’t say much, but i think she knew. she always knows.”

you hummed a quiet sound of agreement.

“i fixed the cabinet in the hallway. the one with the loose hinge. figured i'd save you before it pinched your finger again.”

you mumbled something half formed and drowsy in thanks, she huffed out a laugh above you.

her fingers stilled.

she divided your hair into sections with a kind of softness that didn’t belong to someone like abby. someone built like a tank, who could fire a rifle with one arm and lift a grown man with the other. but here she was, gently twisting your hair into a braid.

and it was. just for you.

she finished and tied it off with a thin band from her wrist, then leaned forward to kiss the crown of your head.

“there,” she said, arms sliding around your waist from behind, pulling you fully back into her chest. “now you can sleep.”

you turned slightly, just enough to see her profile in the dim light. the hardness she wore outside this room had melted off her completely. her eyes were half lidded, full of quiet contentment. 

her hand slipped under the hem of the shirt to rest against your stomach.

you didn’t need to say anything.

but you did anyway.

“i love the way you take care of me.”

her lips twitched into a smile.

“i always will.”

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[ialreadymadeyouapromise]

𝐊𝐈𝐒𝐒 𝐌𝐄 𝐋𝐈𝐊𝐄 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐌𝐄𝐀𝐍 𝐈𝐓.

PAIRING: s4!jj maybank x fem!reader WARNINGS: kissing, no use of y/n GENRE: fluff SONG INSPIRATION: thinking about you - calvin harris, ayah marar WORD COUNT: 831 NOTE: last episode of season four never happened

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jj had already coaxed you into drinking more than you probably should have. he was impossible to say no to, especially when the moonlight caught in his hair like that, when he kept nudging your shoulder with his just to see you smile.

you leaned back on your elbows, toes buried in the cool sand, head spinning just enough to make everything feel a little floaty, a little too loud and too soft all at once. he plopped down beside you with two more beers, handing you one with a mock salute.

“to making bad decisions!” he grinned, teeth flashing.

you clinked the bottles together clumsily, laughing as foam spilled over your fingers. you wiped your hand on your shorts, heart racing for reasons that had nothing to do with the alcohol but everything to do with the way jj was looking at you.

he was your best friend. your best friend. you reminded yourself.

and maybe it was the bonfire’s warmth, or maybe it was the way his knee brushed against yours, with him not pulling away.

a reckless thought rooted itself deep in your chest.

kiss him.

you took a long pull from your beer, bracing yourself against the pounding in your ears.

he threw his head back to laugh at something pope said, golden hair messy, throat exposed. you caught yourself staring, and staring hard, 

before letting yourself talk you out of it, you shifted closer, the bonfire spinning lazily behind your eyelids.

“hey, jay,” you said, voice almost too loud you really couldn’t tell.

he turned his head, smile still dancing on his lips. “yeah, trouble?”

you didn’t think. you didn’t hesitate.

you kissed him.

it was clumsy at first, teeth knocking against his, noses bumping, but when your mouth fit over his properly, a soft, surprised noise escaped him. his hand jerked like he wasn’t sure what to do. bottle falling forgotten into the sand, and he kissed you back.

for a few blissful seconds, you melted against him. his lips were warm and a little chapped, tasting like beer and saltwater, and it was everything you’d ever secretly wanted but were too afraid to ask for.

halfway through the kiss, nerves surged through your drunken bravery. you pulled back just enough to look at him, breathing hard, searching his eyes for any hint of regret, rejection, anything that would make this feel like a mistake.

all he did was blink back at you. his hand reached up and cradled the back of your neck, fingers threading through your hair. without a word, without a second of hesitation, he tugged you back in, mouth slanting over yours with a sudden, breathtaking urgency.

the world tilted, and you let it.

he kissed you like he needed you. his thumb brushed the sensitive skin just behind your ear sending a shiver down your spine. you gasped quietly into him and he took the opportunity to deepen the kiss, tilting his head to better fit his mouth against yours.

somewhere in the background, you heard john b’s voice. probably teasing the two of you, but it all sounded like static compared to the way jj was touching you, kissing you.

you dropped your beer blindly into the sand, freeing your hands to tangle into the hem of his shirt, pulling him closer until there was no space left between you. his other hand found your waist, thumb pressing into your hipbone.

when you finally broke apart for air, your foreheads rested against each other, breath mingling in the humid night.

jj let out a shaky laugh, eyes closed. “jesus christ…”

you swallowed, heart hammering so hard you were afraid he could hear it.

“i’m sorry,” you whispered, voice hoarse. “i just– i didn’t mean to– ”

his eyes snapped open, a grin spreading across his flushed face.

“don’t you dare apologise,” his hand stayed on the back of your neck, thumb sweeping soothingly over your skin. 

“been wantin’ to do that for years.”

your breath hitched.

“really?” you breathed.

he smiled, not his usual cocky grin, but something gentle, almost shy. “really.”

for a moment, neither of you moved. the fire popped and hissed behind you, casting dancing shadows over the beach. the pogues were still laughing somewhere off to the side, mercifully oblivious to the two of you.

and then, because you were drunk on more than just alcohol now, you leaned in and kissed him again. slower this time, deeper, savoring every second like you were trying to memorise the way he tasted, the way he felt.

he kissed you back with the same desperation, with the same reassurance that promised this wasn’t just some drunken mistake for him either.

when you finally pulled apart again, he tucked a piece of hair behind your ear, thumb brushing your cheekbone.

“you’re mine now, you know that, right?” he said, voice low and sure, no teasing for once.

you nodded, a smile tugging at your lips. 

“yeah, maybank. i know.”

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[ialreadymadeyouapromise]

𝐁𝐄𝐂𝐀𝐔𝐒𝐄 𝐖𝐇𝐘 𝐍𝐎𝐓.

PAIRING: jj maybank x gn!reader WARNINGS: no use of y/n GENRE: fluff SONG INSPIRATION: honeypie - JAWNY WORD COUNT: 495

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you knew something was up the second he wouldn’t meet your eyes.

he was leaned up against your kitchen counter, shirt rucked up slightly from where he’d been scratching at his stomach, the air was thick, the sort of lazy late afternoon heat, but he wasn’t his usual fidgety self.

just… waiting.

“you get in trouble again?” you asked, squinting at him over the top of your glass.

he shook his head, eyes flicking toward you with a grin that didn’t fully reach. “nah. i did something, though.”

you lowered the glass. “something stupid?”

“i mean, define stupid.”

“jay...”

he sighed through his nose and pushed off the counter. then, he pulled his shirt off over his head and let it drop onto the side.

and there it was, a brand new silver barbell sitting clean through both of his nipples. the skin around it looked sore, a little red, still healing.

you blinked. “you pierced your nipples?”

he scratched at the back of his neck, shrugging at you. “yeah.”

“…why?”

he pulled a face, “just felt like it.”

you stared at him for a second longer. “you felt like getting a needle shoved through your chest. twice?”

“it’s not that deep, dude. i was walking past the shop, it was quiet, guy inside looked bored. just… happened.”

you shook your head, but there was a laugh tugging at the corner of your mouth. “jesus christ.”

“what?”

“you act like this is normal. like people just casually do that on a friday.”

he smirked. “you saying i can’t pull it off?”

you rolled your eyes, stepping in a little closer to get a better look. “i’m saying you’re an idiot.”

“yeah, but a hot one.”

you didn’t answer right away, letting your eyes rest on the piercings. the silver caught the light. it weirdly suited him.

he watched your face, a flicker of uncertainty washed over his own.  as if he suddenly wasn’t sure how good of an idea this really was. you liked that he didn’t try to explain it away with some excuse. 

that he didn’t make a big deal of it, either. it was just him, doing shit.

your voice came low. “kinda suits you.”

he raised a brow. “yeah?”

“yeah.”

he grinned, wide this time, stepping into your space without asking. his fingers brushed against your waist, light and easy. “knew you’d say that.”

you scoffed. “no, you didn’t.”

he leaned in just enough for you to feel his breath fanning over your lips. “knew it or hoped it. same thing.”

you shook your head, biting back a smile. “don’t get cocky.”

“already am.”

you rolled your eyes again, but when his thumb slipped beneath the hem of your shirt, just grazing warm skin, you didn’t stop him.

“i’m not touching them ‘til it heals, by the way,” you said, nodding at the piercing.

jj tilted his head. “so… after it heals?”

“maybe.”

he grinned again, nothing but mischief behind it.

“noted.”

[ialreadymadeyouapromise]

𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒.

PAIRING: daryl dixon x fem!reader WARNINGS: misunderstandings, no use of y/n GENRE: angst, comfort (at end) SONG INSPIRATION: lovers - anna of the north WORD COUNT: 1.2k

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daryl had been an enigma from the moment he set foot in alexandria. he wasn’t like the others. he was rough around the edges, always carrying himself as if he was waiting for something to go wrong. and maybe he was. 

the world now didn’t allow for true safety, and he knew that better than most.

but that didn’t stop you from watching him.

you had liked him from the beginning, from the moment you saw him peering in through the window at deanna’s party. you’d cornered him that night, half amused, half intrigued.

“you know, you could just come inside,” you had teased, leaning against the doorway. “or are you afraid you’ll turn into a respectable member of society if you step over the threshold?”

daryl had huffed out a short, reluctant laugh, his eyes flicking toward you before darting away. “ain’t really my kinda thing.”

“oh, i never would’ve guessed,” you shot back, smirking. “you’re blending in so well.”

that made him snort, shaking his head. he had started to turn away, but something about the way he lingered told you that he wasn’t entirely opposed to the conversation.

so, you pushed a little more.

“well, if you change your mind, i’ll be inside,” you had said, tapping the doorframe lightly. “near the bar. you know, just in case you suddenly develop a taste for civilization.”

daryl had glanced at you again, something unreadable in his expression. then, with a small shake of his head, he walked off.

and that was where it started.

you started finding excuses to see him. 

at first, it was small things. bringing him something from the pantry after a run, offering to patch up scrapes from the road.

daryl wasn’t easy to get close to, but you were nothing if not persistent.

and eventually, it worked.

it started with short conversations, nothing deep, just little things. you’d tease him about how he always disappears whenever a group gathering got too lively.

“you know, i’m starting to think you might be allergic to fun.”

daryl would just roll his eyes, scoffing. “ain’t got time for all that.”

“oh, come on,” you’d prod, smirking. “not even a little?”

“i’m here, ain’t i?” he’d grumble.

you never pushed him too much, never asked for more than he was willing to give. and slowly, bit by bit, he let his guard down.

somewhere along the way, things shifted.

late nights spent sitting together on porches turned into nights in your bed. 

at first, it was just a stolen moment, a hesitant kiss that he didn’t pull away from. then another. and another. before long, he was in your bed more often than not, hands roaming over your skin, lips pressing bruises into your neck, giving you everything he had in the dark.

but in the morning, he’d always leave.

you tried to ignore it. tried to convince yourself that this was enough, that you could deal with him slipping out before the sun came up, that you could pretend this was casual.

one night, you couldn’t ignore it anymore.

you lay beside him, your head resting against his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his breathing. it was late, the world outside quiet, but you could feel the tension in him. the way his muscles had started to coil again, like he was already preparing to go.

and suddenly, you couldn’t stop yourself.

“why do you always leave?”

the question came out softer than you intended, but it made daryl tense beneath you. his hand, which had been resting lightly against your back, withdrew.

you lifted your head, searching his face. “daryl?”

he let out a quiet breath, staring up at the ceiling. “ain’t about leavin’.”

“then what is it about?”

he didn’t answer right away. instead, he sat up, swinging his legs over the side of the bed, running a hand through his hair. he didn’t look at you.

something inside you twisted painfully.

“daryl,” you tried again, voice quieter now. “what are we doing?”

still, he said nothing.

the silence stretched between you, heavy and suffocating. you waited, giving him time to find the words, but when too much time passed, you realised, he wasn’t going to.

and that hurt more than anything.

you swallowed hard, forcing back the lump rising in your throat. “you know what?” you let out a soft, humorless laugh, shaking your head. “forget it.”

daryl glanced at you then, something like regret flickering in his eyes, but he still didn’t speak.

you turned over, pulling the blanket up, facing away from him. you didn’t want him to see the tears that had started to fall. you didn’t want him to see how much this was breaking you.

because that meant it mattered. and if it mattered to you, but not to him…

you squeezed your eyes shut, willing yourself to breathe.

behind you, you heard him stand. the soft shuffle of his boots, the creak of the door. and then he was gone.

you tried to move on after that.

you told yourself it didn’t matter, that you should’ve expected it. that you should’ve known better than to hope for something real.

but daryl didn’t let you move on.

he kept coming back around, showing up at your door like he had something to say but always talking around it.

finally, after days of this, you’d had enough.

you met him at the door, arms crossed, your heart aching with every beat. “what do you want, daryl?”

he shifted uncomfortably, glancing away. “i–” he cut himself off, running a hand over the back of his neck. “i dunno.”

you huffed a bitter laugh, shaking your head. “you don’t know?”

“i ain’t good at this,” he muttered. “ain’t never been.”

“yeah,” you said, voice tight. “i noticed.”

the silence between you was suffocating. you didn’t know what he wanted from you, why he kept showing up when he had made it so clear that you weren’t worth staying for.

“i just…” he trailed off, exhaling sharply, frustrated with himself. “ain’t never felt like this before.”

that stopped you cold.

your breath caught in your throat as you stared at him, trying to process what he had just said. “what?”

“i–” he sighed, rubbing at his face. “i ain’t never had somethin’ like this. like you.”

you opened your mouth, then closed it.

daryl shifted on his feet, looking more vulnerable than you had ever seen him. “ain’t that i don’t want it,” he admitted. “just… don’t know how.”

your heart ached at the raw honesty in his voice.

for so long, you had convinced yourself that you weren’t enough for him, that he didn’t care the way you did. but now, looking at him, hearing him struggle through the words…

it wasn’t that he didn’t care. it was that he cared too much.

you swallowed hard, taking a step closer. “you could’ve just told me that.”

he let out a soft huff, almost a laugh, shaking his head. “ain’t that easy.”

you searched his face, saw the way his jaw clenched, the way his fingers twitched at his sides like he wanted to reach for you but didn’t know if he should.

“maybe it could be,” you murmured.

daryl hesitated. then, after a beat, he nodded. “yeah.”

it was quiet between you, the weight of the moment pressing down. and then, slowly, hesitantly, he took that last step forward, 

closing the space between you.

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© ialreadymadeyouapromise 2025.

[ialreadymadeyouapromise]

𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐄𝐍𝐃, 𝐘𝐎𝐔.

PAIRING: abby anderson x fem!reader WARNINGS: trauma, no use of y/n GENRE: angst, fluff SONG INSPIRATION: do i wanna know? - arctic monkey (hozier cover) WORD COUNT: 3.8k

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the crackle of dry leaves beneath your boots was the only sound that accompanied you as you stumbled through the forest, every step heavier than the last. hunger clawed at your stomach, and your limbs ached with exhaustion. 

the air was thick with tension, the kind that pressed against your chest and made it hard to breathe. you knew you were walking straight into danger, but you didn’t care anymore. anything was better than the nothing you’d been left with.

an outpost tower came into view, and you stopped, heart pounding. armed figures patrolled the perimeter. tall, broad, alert. even from this distance, you could tell they were disciplined, a group that didn’t tolerate weakness. your throat tightened.

you clutched the strap of your backpack, a pitiful collection of scraps you’d managed to scavenge. 

you had no plan, no real hope, but you had a voice.

with trembling hands, you stepped out of the tree line.

“wait!”

a warning shout rang out before you could take another step. the guards raised their weapons, aiming at you. panic surged in your chest, but you forced yourself to keep your hands up, your voice steady.

“don’t shoot! i’m not armed!” you dropped to your knees, your legs too weak to hold you up anymore. “i’m–please, i need help. i can’t do this anymore. i can’t–” your voice cracked, breaking into a sob.

a figure emerged from the group, her silhouette cutting through the harsh light of the setting sun. tall, muscular, she held a rifle with a practiced ease. her face was shadowed, but you caught the glint of sharp eyes watching you, assessing every move you made.

“who’s with you?” she asked, her voice calm but firm.

“just–it’s just me,” you managed, barely above a whisper. “i don’t have anyone left. i swear. no weapons, no traps. i just–i can’t keep doing this alone. please.”

her gaze lingered on you, cautious. another guard, a man with a gruff voice, spoke up. “could be a setup. we’ve seen this before.”

“it’s not,” you croaked, shaking your head. “i’m not lying. i don’t care what you do to me–lock me up, whatever. just please don’t send me back out there.”

the woman stepped closer, her boots crunching against the gravel. you flinched when she crouched in front of you, her rifle resting across her knees.

finally, the fading sunlight illuminated her features. blonde hair tied back in a braid, sharp jawline, a scar running just below her cheekbone. her expression was unreadable, but there was something in her eyes that wasn’t outright hostility.

“what’s your name?” she asked.

you blinked, taken aback by the softness of the question. you gave her it.

she repeated it. then, after a beat, she sighed and straightened up, motioning to the others. “bring her in. she looks like she’s about to keel over.”

“what?” one of the guards protested. “abby, this could–”

“she’s not a threat,” abby said firmly, cutting him off. “if she is, we’ll deal with it. but look at her.” she gestured to your gaunt frame, the hollow look in your eyes. “she’s not making it another night out there.”

strong arms hauled you to your feet, and you didn’t resist, too drained to even register fear. abby stayed close, her eyes on you, and you couldn’t tell if it was caution or something else.

“thank you,” you whispered, but she didn’t respond.

“let’s go,” she said, her tone brisk.

as they guided you toward their camp, your legs trembling with each step, you couldn’t shake the feeling of her eyes lingering on you. stern yet measured, like she was already trying to figure you out.

the first week at the base felt like you were living on borrowed time. the walls, though sturdy and fortified, didn’t feel like protection. they felt like a trap. you were constantly on edge, your heart racing at every loud noise, every glance from the group.

you kept expecting them to change their minds, to decide you weren’t worth the food you ate or the cot that you slept on. so, you planned ahead in the only way you knew how. 

at every meal, you shoved wrapped up scraps of food into your pockets when you thought no one was looking, a slice of bread here, a handful of dried fruit there. it was never much, just enough to keep you going if they threw you out. you couldn’t stop yourself, the instinct to prepare for the worst deeply ingrained after months of going hungry.

the first time you were caught, you froze, heart pounding in your chest. it was abby who noticed. she’d walked into the mess hall and found you slipping a biscuit into your jacket.

“what are you doing?” she asked, her voice calm but stern enough to cut through your panic.

you stammered out a weak excuse, your words fumbling over themselves. “i–i just… i didn’t know how much there was to go around. i didn’t want to take too much.”

she tilted her head, studying you. for a moment, you were sure she’d yell, that this was the mistake that would get you sent packing. but she didn’t.

“you don’t have to do that here,” she said finally, her tone softer. “we have enough. you don’t have to take more than you need.”

you nodded, but you didn’t stop, not completely. the fear of scarcity, of rejection, was too deeply rooted. you thought she didn’t notice, but she did. she always did.

despite your skittishness, the group treated you kindly. stern, cautious, but kind. they didn’t push you to talk about what you’d been through, didn’t press when you flinched at sudden movements or avoided certain people. they gave you space to adjust, to heal, in a way you hadn’t expected.

abby, though, was different. she didn’t hover, didn’t fuss. but you caught her watching sometimes, a quiet presence in the background. 

at first, you thought she might be the one most likely to push you out, but as the weeks turned into months, you realised how wrong you were.

it started with little things. how she’d speak up when others questioned your value to the group. “she’s been pulling her weight,” she’d say, her tone leaving no room for argument. 

when one of the guys made a crude comment, abby shut him down with a glare.

the first time you saw her step between you and someone else, your chest tightened with something unfamiliar, safety.

you started to gravitate toward her without meaning to. 

at first, you’d linger nearby when she was working, just close enough to hear her voice but not close enough to draw attention. there was something about her that pulled you in. the way she carried herself, strong and sure, like nothing could knock her.

you didn’t know if it was admiration, curiosity, or something more, but you couldn’t stay away.

it took weeks for her to notice. abby was busy. always moving, always working. but one day, as she stacked crates near the supply shed, she paused and looked up.

“you following me, or is this a coincidence?” she asked, her voice light.

you froze, your face heating up as you fumbled for a response. “i–uh, no. i mean, i’m just… around.”

she raised an eyebrow, a small smirk tugging at the corner of her mouth. “uh-huh. just around, huh?”

you shrugged, trying to play it off, but your breathing gave it away.

“well,” she said, turning back to the crates, “you’re welcome to stick around. just don’t let anyone rope you into lifting these. they’re heavier than they look.”

her words were casual, but they sent a warmth through you that you couldn’t quite explain. 

from that moment on, you let yourself drift closer. and abby, whether she realised it or not, let you.

the first few months at the base were a slow unraveling of your fears, but some nights, the nightmares still dragged you under. they’d pull you awake, your chest heaving, your shirt damp with cold sweat. 

those were the hours you felt most alone, even surrounded by people. the hours when the silence pressed too heavily on you to go back to sleep.

that was how you first found the gym.

you’d stumbled across it during one of those restless nights, your boots padding softly on the worn floors as you wandered. it wasn’t a big space, but it was well equipped. treadmills, exercise bikes, free weights, and racks of neatly organized dumbbells. 

it was always bustling during the day, filled with grunts, and the rhythmic clang of weights being racked. but in the early hours, it was silent. empty. peaceful.

so, you started going. 

at first, you stuck to the treadmill or the exercise bikes, not really sure what else to do. you liked the way your body felt when you moved, how the motion shook off the residual fear from your dreams. but your eyes always wandered to the weights.

to the heavy iron plates and bars, to the pull-up rigs and kettlebells. you weren’t brave enough to touch them yet, but something about them called to you.

you wanted to be strong. strong enough to stop flinching at shadows, to stop hiding food in your pockets. strong enough to believe that you could survive, not just scrape by, but live.

what you didn’t know was that the gym was also abby’s refuge, too. she didn’t need much sleep, not after years of soldiering through grueling training and missions. when the weight of the world felt like too much, she turned to the weights, pushing herself until her muscles screamed, until she couldn’t think about anything but the next rep.

she’d taken to going in the early mornings, long before anyone else woke up. it was her time, her sanctuary, and she liked having it to herself. so the first time she stepped into the gym and saw you there, it startled her.

you were on the treadmill, your pace steady, your focus intense. abby paused in the doorway, her brow furrowing. she hadn’t expected anyone else to be awake, let alone here. for a moment, she debated leaving. this was your space now, she figured. but something made her stay, leaning against the wall as she watched you for a second.

“you’re up early,” she said finally, her voice breaking the quiet.

you jumped, nearly stumbling on the treadmill. your head whipped around, eyes wide, but when you saw it was her, the tension in your shoulders eased. “so are you,” you said, a little breathless.

abby stepped closer, her lips quirking in a faint smirk. “yeah, well, old habits die hard. could say the same about you.”

you looked away, wiping the sweat from your brow. “couldn’t sleep,” you admitted.

she nodded, understanding flickering in her gaze. “yeah. i get that.”

there was a beat of silence before she asked, “you been coming here long?”

“couple weeks,” you said. “figured… might as well try something new. clear my head, you know?”

abby smiled at that, small but genuine. “good idea. you’re doing good. just don’t overdo it.” she gestured toward the weights. “you thinking about trying those out?”

you hesitated, glancing toward the dumbbells like they were some forbidden fruit. “maybe. don’t really know what i’m doing, though.”

she chuckled softly, stepping toward the rack. “no one does when they start. but if you want some pointers… i could show you.”

your chest fluttered at the offer. you nodded before you could talk yourself out of it. “yeah. that’d be good.”

and that was how it started.

the weeks that followed brought you and abby even closer. it wasn’t something you could pinpoint to a specific moment, but you felt it growing. an almost tangible pull between the two of you. it was in the way she lingered just a little longer after your workouts, offering to walk you back to your room even though you knew she didn’t need to. 

it was in the way she always placed herself between you and any danger, big or small.

and it was in you, too. you couldn’t deny the way your chest eased when you saw her, especially before supply runs. those always left you anxious. the idea of venturing out into the world again, even with backup, made your stomach twist. but whenever abby’s name was on the list alongside yours, you felt a sense of calm settle over you. her presence made you feel safer than you ever thought possible.

there were smaller moments too. moments you held close. like when she handed you her canteen on a long hike back to camp, even though you knew she must have been thirsty too. or the way her voice softened when she asked if you’d eaten, making sure you took care of yourself in ways you’d long forgotten how to.

and then there was the way she smiled. abby didn’t smile often, not fully, but when she did,.it had a way of catching you off guard, as if the room shifted slightly, pulling you into her orbit. you didn’t even realise you’d been watching for those rare smiles until you caught yourself staring one day.

but as much as abby’s presence brought you comfort, it also brought fear. fear of losing her. that fear came to life one night in the form of a nightmare.

it wasn’t like the dreams you used to have, the ones of the people you’d lost and the horrors you’d seen. this one was different. it was worse.

you dreamed of abby lying in your arms, her body broken and bloody, her breaths shallow and wet. you were screaming her name, begging her to hold on, but her eyes were glazing over, her strength slipping away with every passing second.

her lips moved, but you couldn’t hear her over the pounding in your ears, the desperate, ragged sobs ripping from your throat. you held her tighter, trying to keep her there, trying to will her to stay alive, but she slipped away from you.

the sound of her final breath shattered something inside you, and you woke up gasping, tears streaming down your face as your chest heaved with panic.

you ripped the covers off, your hands trembling as you sat up. it wasn’t real. it wasn’t real–but the weight of it clung to you, suffocating. the thought of losing her, of not being able to protect her, broke something in you.

you needed to see her. you needed to know she was okay.

you barely slid on your shoes as you stumbled out of your room, your breaths coming fast and uneven. the camp was quiet at this hour, the only sound was the faint rustle of the wind outside. you tried to keep your footsteps soft, not wanting to wake anyone, but your urgency made it hard to slow down.

when you reached abby’s door, you hesitated for a moment, your knuckles hovering above the wood. what if she was asleep? what if she thought you were being ridiculous? but the memory of her lifeless body in your arms sent a fresh wave of panic crashing over you, and you couldn’t stop yourself.

you knocked, soft but insistent, your other hand gripping the door frame as you fought to steady your breathing.

it took a moment, but then you heard movement inside, the sound of her footsteps on the floor. the door creaked open, and there she was, blinking at you with groggy confusion. her hair was loose and mussed from sleep, her expression soft but tinged with concern.

she whispered your name, her voice low and raspy from sleep. “what’s wrong? are you okay?”

the sight of her standing there, alive and whole, was enough to send fresh tears streaming down your cheeks. you let out a shaky breath, your hand flying up to cover your mouth as you tried to compose yourself.

her eyes widened, and she stepped closer, her hand resting gently on your shoulder. “hey, hey,” she said, her voice softening. “what happened? talk to me.”

“i–i just…” you shook your head, struggling to find the words as your chest heaved. “i had a dream. about you. and it–god, it felt so real, abby.”

her brow furrowed, and she guided you into her room, closing the door behind you. “what kind of dream?” she asked, her voice calm but laced with concern.

you sat down on the edge of her bed, your hands trembling in your lap as you tried to steady yourself. “you were hurt. dying. and i couldn’t… i couldn’t save you.” your voice broke, and you squeezed your eyes shut, willing the memory away.

abby knelt in front of you, her hands resting on your knees. “hey,” she said softly, her eyes locking onto yours. “i’m right here. i’m okay. i promise.”

her reassurance was steady, grounding, and you let out a shuddering breath, nodding as you met her gaze. “i know,” you whispered. “i know it wasn’t real, but it felt so… god, i’ve never been that scared in my life.”

abby’s expression softened even more, and she gave your knees a gentle squeeze. “i’m not going anywhere,” she said firmly, her voice steady as a rock. “i’ve made it through worse than whatever’s out there. you don’t have to worry about me.”

you nodded again, the weight in your chest easing just a little at her words. “i just… i couldn’t stay in my room. i had to see you.”

her lips twitched into a faint, tired smile. “i’m glad you did.”

for a moment, neither of you spoke, the quiet settling around you. then, without thinking, you reached out and wrapped your arms around her, pulling her into a tight hug.

abby stiffened for a second, clearly surprised, but then she melted into your embrace, her arms wrapping around you just as tightly. she was warm. 

“thank you,” you whispered against her shoulder, your voice muffled.

“for what?”

“for being here,” you said simply.

abby pulled back just enough to meet your focus. “always,” she whispered back.

and in that moment, you knew you meant it when you said you’d do anything to keep her safe. 

anything.

abby noticed the tension in your shoulders, the way you flinched slightly. the way your breath still caught every so often, as if you were afraid to let go of the nightmare that had gripped you only moments ago. it didn’t sit right with her to let you leave like this, not when you were clearly shaken.

“stay,” she said gently, her voice steady, her concern evident as she gave your arm a gentle squeeze. “stay here tonight. i don’t want you to go back to your room like this.”

you hesitated, still feeling a little too vulnerable, but the warmth of her presence, the genuine concern in her voice, made it hard to resist. your heart was still racing, but she was right. you didn’t want to be alone. you needed her comfort, even if it was just in silence.

“okay,” you whispered, your voice shaky as you glanced at her.

without a word, abby moved toward the bed, getting in, pulling the covers back and patting the space next to her. “come on,” she said softly, the invitation clear in her eyes.

you climbed into the bed, your body still trembling slightly, but it was different now. the tension had started to ease the moment you were near her again. abby settled beside you, the weight of her body next to yours offering a sense of calm. the covers were pulled up to your chests.

for a few moments, neither of you spoke, just the sound of your breathing filling the quiet of the room. you tried to close your eyes, but the unease still lingered. the memory of the nightmare was too fresh, it’s image too vivid. it had shaken you in a way that made sleep seem dangerous.

abby must have noticed the slight frown on your face, the way your lips were almost pouting in a way that made her heart ache. she watched you for a moment, deciding.

she reached out with a careful hand, her fingers brushing against your temple in a slow, gentle touch. you didn’t pull away. you let her fingers trace down the side of your face, over your cheek, and down to your jawline. the softness of the gesture was something you hadn’t expected, and yet, it was exactly what you needed.

the warmth of her touch seemed to melt the knot in your chest. it felt like she was grounding you, like she was telling you without words that you were safe. as she continued the motion, you felt your lips slowly pull into a small, relaxed smile.

her touch had always been gentle, but now it carried a quiet kind of affection that made a warmth spread through your chest, not out of fear, but something else.

when your eyes flickered open, you saw her face just inches from yours. her lips were parted slightly in a smile.

“better?” she asked.

you nodded, the tension in your body melting further as your eyes drooped with exhaustion. “yeah. much better.”

abby smiled back, a hint of relief as she adjusted the covers around you both, pulling them up higher as she nestled in closer. her arm was now around your waist, pulling you into her a little more, the heat from her body comforting you.

you felt her sigh softly against your neck, the rhythm of her breathing slow and even. it was easy to let go then, to let the warmth of her presence lull you into a sense of safety.

“sleep,” she murmured, her voice reassuring. “i’ve got you.”

you smiled again, your body relaxing into hers as you allowed your eyes to finally close. abby’s hand stayed on your face for a moment longer, as if she needed to make sure you were truly okay, before it moved to rest it back on your hip.

in the comfort of her embrace, the darkness no longer felt so overwhelming. the tension in your chest loosened, your mind slowly drifting as the exhaustion took over. and for the first time in what felt like forever, you let yourself drift into sleep, the nightmare of her slipping away now replaced by a new feeling, one of peace.

abby stayed awake a little longer, watching you with quiet care. she could feel your body settle into the rhythm of sleep, the way your breath evened out. there was something deeper, something that had been growing between the two of you for a while now.

but for now, she didn’t think about it too much. she simply let you sleep, keeping you close, 

keeping you safe.

reblogs and comments are appreciated ᯓ★

© ialreadymadeyouapromise 2025.

[ialreadymadeyouapromise]

𝐀 𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐓𝐋𝐄 𝐓𝐎𝐍𝐆𝐔𝐄 𝐓𝐈𝐄𝐃.

PAIRING: jj maybank x fem!reader WARNINGS: no use of y/n GENRE: fluff SONG INSPIRATION: golden - harry styles WORD COUNT: 889

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you’d been talking about getting a tattoo for months.

maybe years at this point. it had always been one of those things. 

‘when i have the money.’, ‘when i’m sure about the design,’ ‘when the time’s right.’ 

every time it came up, he’d tease you relentlessly.

“you? finally committing to a tattoo?” he’d laugh, leaning back on your couch.

“please. you can barely commit to what you want for dinner.”

you’d roll your eyes every time, but the truth was…he wasn’t wrong. you’d had a million ideas, a pinterest board, even a few consultations, but none of it ever felt solid enough to make it permanent. until now.

when you unexpectedly came into some extra cash. a little freelance gig that finally paid off, you’d walked past the tattoo studio you always told him about. the one with the big windows and the friendly artist whose instagram you stalked religiously. this time, you didn’t stop at the window. you went in.

the design had come to you. something about the sun, about warmth, about light and life, it just felt right. 

when they cleaned the area and held up a mirror for you, your breath caught. it was more perfect than you imagined, bold and intricate, the swirling lines almost alive against your skin.

“damn,” you whispered, unable to tear your eyes away.

the artist smiled knowingly. “looks good, huh?”

“it’s amazing, thank you!” you said, a grin spreading across your face.

after carefully wrapping it in a thin layer of clear foil, they handed you the aftercare instructions, their tone light but firm. “keep this on for a few hours, then follow the steps i gave you. it’s gonna look even better once it heals.”

you nodded, still staring at your reflection in awe. it was surreal. you’d finally done it.

and you couldn’t wait to show him.

you didn’t tell him right away. no texts, no calls, nothing. not because you were nervous. okay, maybe a little nervous, but because you wanted to see his reaction in person. when you did finally text him to come over.

his reply was typical: be there in ten. getting snacks!!!

when he arrived, he was already talking before you even opened the door.

“i swear, if you dragged me over here to talk about another tattoo you didn’t—” his words died in his throat the moment he saw your face.

you stepped back, letting him in with a small smile tugging at your lips. “what if i told you…i actually went through with it this time?”

he stopped mid step, eyebrows shooting up. “no way.”

you nodded.

“liar.”

“swear to god.”

“prove it.”

you took a breath, your pulse quickening, pulling the hem of your shirt up just enough to reveal the ink. his reaction was instant.

“holy–” he stopped himself, leaning closer, his voice trailing off, huffing out a surprised laugh. “you actually did it.”

“i told you i would,” you said softly, almost whispering.

he didn’t say anything at first, his eyes glued to the tattoo as if he was trying to memorize every line. his fingers twitched at his sides. wanting to reach out to touch you.

“it’s…it’s perfect,” he said finally, his voice a little rough around the edges. “it suits you.”

“yeah?” you couldn’t help but smile.

“yeah,” he said, his eyes flicking up to meet yours. “i mean, i’m still kind of in shock. you actually did it. but–it’s beautiful. you’re beautiful.”

the last part slipped out so naturally, so quietly, that you almost missed it. almost.

your heart stuttered in your chest. “what?”

he blinked, his expression shifting like he hadn’t meant to say it aloud. but then something in him shifted.

“i said you’re beautiful,” he repeated, his voice steadier now. “and i love it. the tattoo. you. all of it.”

you didn’t realise how close he’d gotten until you could feel the warmth coming off of him, the way his hand hovered just inches from your skin. “can i…?”

you nodded, and his fingers brushed against the edge of the tattoo, careful not to press too hard against the healing skin. the touch was so gentle, giving you goosebumps.

“is it bad that i'm kinda obsessed with this,” he murmured, his eyes tracing the design.then his eyes flicked back to yours, something in his expression you’d never seen before. 

“i can’t believe you actually did it,” he said again, softer this time. 

“you know, you’ve been here for all of it. all the indecision, the doubt…everything. i don’t think i would’ve done it without your overwhelming support.” your words sarcastic as playfully push his shoulder.

“don’t give me too much credit,” he said, though his lips curved into a smile. “this? this was all you.”

maybe it was the way he said it. maybe it was the way he was looking at you. whatever it was, you leaned in, kissing him.

it was soft at first. hesitant, testing, nearly going to pull away but the second his hand cupped your jaw, pulling you closer, the tinge of worry melted away. 

when you finally broke apart, his forehead rested against yours, he let out a shaky laugh.

“took you long enough,” he said, his grin lopsided and so very him.

you rolled your eyes, but you couldn’t stop smiling. 

“shut up.”

reblogs and comments are appreciated ᯓ★

© ialreadymadeyouapromise 2025.

[ialreadymadeyouapromise]

𝐐𝐔𝐈𝐄𝐓𝐋𝐘 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐒.

PAIRING: jj maybank x fem!reader WARNINGS: no use of y/n GENRE: fluff SONG INSPIRATION: into your arms - witt lowry, ava max WORD COUNT: 689 NOTE: part two? 👀

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it was late when you heard the soft rustling outside your window, followed by the subtle creak of the sill shifting under weight. you didn't need to look to know it was jj. he didn't knock, didn't announce his arrival, just slipped inside the way he always did when he wanted to be close to you.

it was a habit now, one neither of you really questioned. no words, no grand reasoning. maybe it was because he hated the empty silence of his own thoughts, maybe it was because you made him feel like he wasn't as lost as he liked to pretend. 

but whatever the reason, you didn't mind at all. in fact, you relished in it, never saying it out loud, but feeling it deeply, how much you needed each other.

he dropped onto your bed with a soft exhale, kicking off his shoes before you scooted over, making room for him, the smell of him and his cologne clung filling the space between you.

without hesitation, he slipped an arm around your waist, pulling you close until your head rested against his chest. you didn’t protest. you couldn’t. his heartbeat thrummed beneath your ear, soothing you.

his fingers brushed through your hair, massaging your scalp with a gentleness that made your eyes flutter shut, and you found yourself sinking deeper into the warmth of his embrace. a movie was playing, but the sound was so quiet, barely audible against the loud beat of his heart in your ears.

you shifted slightly, your leg draped lazily over his hips. 

his touch was simple, no need for anything more. just the two of you. safe.

you didn’t need to say anything. your feelings were understood in the quiet moments, in the way his fingers lingered, in the way your breath matched the rhythm of his own.

your fingers toyed with the hem of his shirt, a little nervous habit breaking through the stillness. he chuckled softly, a low sound, he tightened his hold on you, the warmth of his body so reassuring.

you stayed there for a while, the two of you wrapped in the quiet comfort of each other's presence. his breathing deepened, growing steady and slow. his body relaxed fully, no longer tense.

it was enough to make you think he had finally fallen asleep, the weight of his arm around you growing a little softer, the pressure against you easing just a touch.

the room was silent except for the low hum of the movie still playing, too faint to catch your attention. you shifted slightly, your chin resting lightly on his chest as you opened your mouth, to say something, but when you glanced up, you saw that his eyes were closed, his face peaceful. he was asleep.

a small smile tugged at your lips as you took in the sight of him, so different from the usual fire in his eyes or the restlessness that seemed to hang around him.

you couldn’t help but admire how relaxed he looked in that moment, how the weight of the world seemed to slip off his shoulders when he was here, with you.

you let out a soft sigh, sinking deeper into the warmth of his embrace. your body was heavy with sleep, but before your eyes closed, the words escaped you, quiet and soft.

“i love you,” you whispered, so softly that it barely made a sound.

you didn’t expect him to hear it, or even for him to respond. it was just a thought, a fleeting confession, one you weren't even sure you'd fully meant out loud. your eyes fluttered closed, and your breath evened out, content in the safety of his arms.

but as you drifted off, you didn’t notice the way his breath hitched beneath you, the subtle tension that sparked through his body. his chest rose and fell unevenly for a moment, and his arm, which had been gently wrapped around you, tightened just slightly.

but you didn’t hear it. you didn’t feel it. 

you fell asleep, unaware of his mind racing with the thoughts of what your words really meant.

reblogs and comments are appreciated ᯓ★

© ialreadymadeyouapromise 2025.

[ialreadymadeyouapromise]

𝐉𝐎𝐒𝐇 𝐖𝐀𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐓𝐎𝐍 𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓.

coming soon . . .

[ialreadymadeyouapromise]

𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐇𝐎 𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓.

coming soon . . .

[ialreadymadeyouapromise]

𝐆𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐘 𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓.

coming soon . . .

[ialreadymadeyouapromise]

𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐌𝐀𝐒 𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓.

coming soon . . .

[ialreadymadeyouapromise]

𝐑𝐄𝐃 𝐃𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐄𝐌𝐏𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓.

➝ arthur morgan

➝ sadie adler

➝ john marston

[ialreadymadeyouapromise]

𝐖𝐇𝐄𝐍 𝐈 𝐍𝐄𝐄𝐃 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐌𝐎𝐒𝐓.

PAIRING: jj maybank x fem!reader WARNINGS: readers upset, no use of y/n GENRE: angst, fluff, comfort SONG INSPIRATION: my kind of woman - mac demarco WORD COUNT: 638 NOTE: been really sick recently so here's a short one!

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the party had been loud, chaotic even. the bass thumped through the floorboards of the chateau, the laughter echoed over the music. you had managed to push your way through the crowd, searching for a quieter escape.

the air outside was cooler, the sound of the waves more soothing than the pounding speakers inside.

you walked down to the beach, away from the festivities, the sand cool under your feet. you found a spot where the shoreline stretched wide and empty, a place where you could sit and breathe in the calm.

the sun was starting to set, it’s light reflecting off the sea in beautiful hues of pinks and oranges. you sat down in the sand, the warmth still lingering from the late afternoon, but the breeze was beginning to carry a chill.

you sipped on your beer, watching as the waves crashed against the shore.

jj wasn’t supposed to follow you.

he had been at the party, laughing and talking, taking in the atmosphere like always. but as the evening wore on, he began to notice you weren’t around.

at first, he thought you might be inside with the crowd, but when he glanced through the windows, you weren’t there.

then he spotted you, alone, by the water. it wasn’t unusual for you to be a little more reserved, but something about the way you sat there, the distance in your posture, made him pause. he excused himself from the group and quietly followed, footsteps soft against the sand.

“hey,” he said softly, coming up beside you.

you turned toward him, startled slightly. you hadn’t expected him to follow, let alone see you in the quiet, vulnerable state you were in. a smile bloomed on your face, though it trembled at the edges. “jj,” you said, voice barely above a whisper.

he sat down beside you, leaving a space between you two at first, but the silence stretched, thick with unspoken words. he noticed how you were clinging tightly to your drink, how your gaze kept shifting between the ocean and the setting sun, almost as if you were trying to keep yourself grounded.

but then he saw it. a tear slipped down your cheek, unnoticed until the light caught it. his brow furrowed deeply, concern washing over him as he gently reached out, brushing the tear away with his thumb.

“hey,” he said quietly, his voice softer than before. “what’s wrong?”

you shook your head, swallowing back a sob. “it’s… nothing,” you whispered, but your voice cracked.

he wasn’t buying it. he had seen you like this before. this wasn’t just nothing. his arm slid around your shoulder again, pulling you closer. “don’t lie to me,” he said, his voice gentle but firm. “talk to me.”

you hesitated for a moment, tears welling up faster now. you wanted to be strong, but something about the way he looked at you, concern etched into every line of his face, broke through the walls you had built. “i don’t know,” you said quietly, your voice trembling.

“i guess everything just got a little much. and now… now i’m just here, and i feel…”

“alone?” he finished softly, brushing away another tear that escaped down your cheek. his touch was tender, comforting. a touch that spoke of trust, understanding, and care.

you nodded, finally resting your head against his shoulder. the steadiness of his presence anchored you, offering a sense of calm amidst the chaos in your mind.

“i’ve got you,” he whispered, his voice calm and steady. “always.”

the sound of the waves crashing around you, his steady heartbeat against your ear. these were the only things that mattered now. the party, the noise, the drama of life. 

it all seemed far away as you sat together in silence, comforted by the quiet, by his unwavering comfort.

reblogs and comments are appreciated ᯓ★

© ialreadymadeyouapromise 2025.

[ialreadymadeyouapromise]

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐖𝐀𝐋𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐃𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓.

➝ rick grimes

➝ daryl dixon

➝ glenn rhee

➝ sasha williams

➝ tyreese williams

[ialreadymadeyouapromise]

𝐓𝐘𝐑𝐄𝐄𝐒𝐄 𝐖𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐈𝐀𝐌𝐒 𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓.

coming soon . . .

[ialreadymadeyouapromise]

𝐒𝐀𝐒𝐇𝐀 𝐖𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐈𝐀𝐌𝐒 𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓.

coming soon . . .

[ialreadymadeyouapromise]

𝐊𝐈𝐒𝐒 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐌𝐀𝐊𝐄 𝐔𝐏.

PAIRING: evan buckley x fem!reader WARNINGS: misunderstandings, no use of y/n GENRE: angst, fluff, idiots to lovers SONG INSPIRATION: waiting all night - ella eyre WORD COUNT: 4.4k

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“come on, you’ll love him!” evan said, leaning forward over the table. his eyes were wide, earnest, and a little too excited for your comfort.

you shot him a skeptical look over the rim of your coffee cup, raising an eyebrow as you sipped slowly. “that’s what you said about the last guy, and he thought supernatural was a documentary.”

evan groaned, dropping his head back dramatically like the weight of the world rested on his shoulders.

“uh huh.” you put your mug down and crossed your arms. “i’m starting to think you’re intentionally sabotaging my social life.”

“first of all, rude.” evan leaned back, his hand running through his already tousled hair. “second, this guy is different. he’s smart. funny. likes dogs–”

“everyone likes dogs, buck,” you cut in, unimpressed.

he leaned forward again, resting his elbows on the table and giving you that lopsided grin that always seemed to get him out of trouble. “fair point. but he’s also a firefighter. you already have that in common. and he’s got a great sense of humor, i swear. you’re gonna hit it off. i can feel it.”

“mhm” you said, your voice flat. “because your matchmaking track record is so stellar.”

evan winced, but his grin didn’t falter. “hey, third time’s the charm, right?”

you sighed, tapping your fingers against your coffee cup as you studied his expression. he looked so hopeful, like he genuinely believed this would work. it was hard to stay mad at someone who cared so much, even if his previous attempts had been disasters. 

still, you weren’t convinced.

“why are you so determined to set me up, anyway?” you asked, narrowing your eyes at him. “i didn’t ask for your help, you know.”

evan hesitated, and for a moment, his usual carefree demeanor slipped. his grin faltered, and something flickered in his eyes. a vulnerability you weren’t used to seeing. it was there and gone in an instant, so quick you almost missed it, but it left you with an uneasy feeling.

“because…” he paused, looking down at his hands as he fidgeted with the edge of his sleeve. then, he met your gaze again, his expression softer than before. “i just want you to be happy, that’s all.”

the sincerity in his voice caught you off guard, tugging at something in your chest you didn’t want to acknowledge. you opened your mouth to respond, but nothing came out. instead, you just stared at him, the weight of his words settling between you.

when the silence stretched too long, you rolled your eyes and muttered, “fine. but if this goes south, you owe me.”

evan’s face lit up, his grin returning. “deal.” he leaned back, looking far too pleased with himself. “you won’t regret this, i promise.”

“mm-hmm,” you said, picking up your coffee again. “we’ll see about that.”

the date was set for friday night at a new restaurant that everyone had been raving about. it was one of those places with dim lighting, sleek decor, and a menu filled with dishes that sounded just fancy enough to justify their price. 

you weren’t sure if it was the kind of spot you’d choose for yourself, but evan insisted it was perfect.

after a last minute call to a friend for a second opinion. you decided on a black dress that made you feel confident. it was simple yet elegant, the kind of outfit that walked the line between effort and ease. you paired it with your favorite heels, the ones that made you a little taller but didn’t leave you regretting your life choices after an hour.

a swipe of your favourite lipstick completed the look. you weren’t expecting to fall head over heels for some random guy, but you figured it couldn’t hurt to look your best.

when you arrived at the restaurant five minutes early, the air smelled like garlic, rosemary, and sizzling butter. the hostess greeted you with a polished smile and guided you to a small table near the window. you had the perfect view of the bustling street outside, where couples strolled hand in hand and taxis honked impatiently.

you glanced at your phone one last time to confirm the details. his name was alex, and according to evan, he was tall, dark haired, and charming in a low key, unpretentious way. you imagined a guy with an easy laugh, someone who could carry a conversation but didn’t dominate it. the thought calmed your nerves, at least a little.

as the minutes ticked by, you alternated between checking the door and pretending to be engrossed in the menu. you ordered a glass of wine to keep your hands busy and your mind distracted. when ten minutes passed, you told yourself he was probably stuck in traffic. fifteen minutes? maybe parking was a nightmare.

by the time twenty minutes had gone by, your confidence started to waver. you tried not to let it show, smoothing your dress and keeping your posture upright, but the excuses in your head began to sound hollow. you resisted the urge to pull out your phone, not wanting to look like someone who had been stood up.

at the thirty minute mark, the reality of the situation was impossible to ignore. your stomach twisted as the truth set in, he wasn’t coming. you stared at the candle flickering in the middle of the table, wishing it would burn down faster so you had an excuse to blow it out and leave.

heat crept up the back of your neck, a mixture of embarrassment and frustration. the restaurant suddenly felt too crowded, the noise of laughter and clinking glasses grating on your nerves. you wanted to crawl under the table and never come out, or better yet, disappear entirely.

you took a sip of your wine, willing it to soothe the knot of disappointment in your chest. so much for first impressions, you thought bitterly.

you pulled out your phone, your thumb hovering over the screen as you debated what to say. frustration and embarrassment warred inside you, but ultimately, you decided there was only one person who needed to hear about this disaster.

you: your friend stood me up. this is officially the worst date of my life.

you stared at the message for a moment before hitting send, feeling both annoyed and vindicated. evan had been so insistent, so sure this guy was perfect, and now you were sitting here like an idiot with a full glass of wine and no date.

the reply came almost instantly.

buck: what??? no way.

buck: stay put. i’ll be there in 15.

you blinked at your phone, rereading the message twice to make sure you hadn’t imagined it. a mix of disbelief and relief settled over you. typical buck, always jumping in like he had to save the day. it was infuriating sometimes, but at this moment, you were just grateful you didn’t have to endure the rest of the evening alone.

the waiter arrived with your wine as you tucked your phone away, and you nodded your thanks, taking a slow sip to calm your nerves. the wine was smooth and rich, but it did little to soothe the knot of frustration in your chest. 

you glanced around the restaurant, feeling more self conscious than ever. it wasn’t like anyone here knew you’d been stood up, but the knowledge gnawed at you anyway.

exactly fifteen minutes later, the sound of the restaurant door opening pulled your attention. you looked up to see evan  walking in. he wasn’t dressed for a night out, just his usual jeans, leather jacket and a fitted shirt that clung to his broad shoulders, but somehow, his casual confidence made him stand out among the suits and dresses in the room.

he spotted you immediately, his face lighting up. with an easy stride, he wove through the tables, his hand brushing the back of a chair or two as he navigated the crowded space. when he reached your table, he slid into the seat across from you, his expression softening into one of genuine concern.

“i’m so sorry,” he said, his blue eyes searching yours. “i swear, if i see that guy again, i’m gonna–”

“buck,” you interrupted, holding up a hand to stop his rant. his protective streak was endearing, but you weren’t in the mood for it. “it’s fine. these things happen.”

his frown deepened, clearly not convinced. “no, it’s not fine. you didn’t deserve that. you deserve someone who’ll show up and actually appreciate you.”

the sincerity in his voice made your stomach flutter, the warmth of his words catching you off guard. you looked away, fiddling with the stem of your wineglass as you tried to brush off the sudden rush of feelings.

“well,” you said after a moment, glancing back at him with a small smile, “you’re here now. so, technically, you’re my date.”

his lips twitched, amusement flickering in his eyes. “guess i am. you cool with that?”

you laughed, the sound easing some of the tension lingering in your chest. “honestly? yeah. you’re already better company than that alex.”

that earned you a smile. the kind that lit up his whole face, made his eyes crinkle at the corners, and had an annoyingly infectious effect on your mood. the warmth in your chest spread further, making you feel unexpectedly… at ease.

“well, then,” he said, picking up the menu you’d been pretending to study earlier. “let’s make the most of it. i hear the steak here is incredible. you in?”

you tilted your head, watching him for a moment as he scanned the menu with genuine interest. he was so easygoing, so quick to step in and turn a bad situation into something bearable.

“yeah,” you said softly, a real smile tugging at your lips. “i’m in.”

for the first time that evening, you felt like the night might not be a total loss after all.

after finishing your meal, which had been filled with laughter and the kind of effortless banter that always seemed to flow between you and evan, the idea of sitting through dessert felt unnecessary. instead, you both decided on a walk, letting the crisp night air clear your heads after the warmth and hum of the restaurant.

the streets glowed under the soft light of streetlamps, their golden halos reflecting off the damp pavement, remnants of a brief rain earlier in the evening. the world felt quieter now, the chatter of passing strangers and the occasional honk of a car fading into the background as you and evan strolled side by side.

“sorry again about tonight,” evan said after a while, his hands shoved deep into the pockets of his jeans. his tone was sincere, tinged with the kind of guilt you knew he couldn’t help but shoulder.

you glanced over at him, your heart softening despite your initial irritation. “don’t be,” you replied, your voice lighter than you felt. “i ended up with the better date anyway.”

the corners of his mouth twitched upward, a chuckle slipping from his lips. “well, you’re not wrong. i’m way more fun than alex.” his teasing tone was paired with a grin so mischievous it pulled a laugh out of you despite yourself.

“low bar,” you said, bumping his shoulder with yours as you walked.

“true,” he admitted, still smiling. but when he glanced at you, his expression softened. his gaze lingered just a moment too long, something unreadable flickering in his blue eyes before he quickly looked ahead.

you continued walking, the easy flow of conversation gradually giving way to a silence that wasn’t uncomfortable but rather companionable, steeped in the kind of understanding that only came with knowing someone as deeply as you knew evan.

the city noise faded into the background, leaving just the sound of your footsteps echoing off the empty streets and the occasional rustle of a breeze weaving through the trees above. for once, neither of you seemed in a hurry to fill the quiet, content to simply exist in each other’s presence.

a sudden gust of wind swept through, carrying a sharp chill that had you instinctively wrapping your arms around yourself. the brisk air bit at your skin, you shivered despite your efforts to ward it off.

evan noticed immediately. he always noticed. without missing a beat, he shrugged off his jacket and draped it over your shoulders in one fluid motion, the fabric still warm from his body.

“buck, i’m fine–" you started to protest, reaching up as if to push it off.

“nope,” he interrupted, his tone firm but light. his hands stayed on your shoulders for a beat longer than necessary, steadying the jacket as if daring you to argue. “you’re cold. take the jacket. end of discussion.”

the corners of your lips tugged upward, a small, soft smile breaking through. you pulled the jacket tighter around yourself, the scent of his cologne. a mix of something woodsy and clean, enveloping you. “thanks,” you said quietly, the word holding more weight than usual.

evan gave a little shrug, as if it were nothing, but his lips curved into a smile that reached his eyes. “anytime,” he replied, his voice gentle.

for a moment, you both slowed, your steps falling into sync as the night wrapped around you. the warmth of his jacket against the cool air, the steadiness of his presence beside you, it all felt oddly intimate, like you were sharing something neither of you dared to name.

“you’re too good sometimes, you know that?” you said, breaking the silence after a while. your voice was teasing, but there was an edge of sincerity to your words.

evan glanced at you, raising an eyebrow. “too good? is that a bad thing?”

“not bad,” you admitted, smiling. “just… unfair to everyone else who has to live up to it.”

he laughed at that, the sound rich and easy. “well, i wouldn’t want to disappoint,” he said, his tone light, but the way his eyes lingered on you as he spoke sent a faint flutter through your chest.

you fell into another quiet moment, your steps taking you closer to home. the city seemed to fade away entirely, leaving just the two of you walking together under the glow of streetlights, the rest of the world forgotten.

when you reached your apartment, you both slowed to a stop at your door. for a moment, neither of you spoke. the street was quiet, the soft glow of a nearby lamppost casting long shadows on the pavement. you turned to face evan, the night air carrying a weight you couldn’t quite name.

“thanks for tonight,” you said softly, fiddling with the edge of his jacket. “i really mean it. you didn’t have to come rescue me.”

he shrugged, but there was a vulnerability in his expression you didn’t see often. “of course i did. i wasn’t about to let you sit there alone, thinking you weren’t worth showing up for.”

your heart stuttered at his words, the sincerity in his tone catching you off guard. you opened your mouth to respond, but the way he was looking at you, his eyes searching yours, like he was seeing parts of you even you didn’t understand, stole the words from your tongue.

the silence stretched, filled with a charged tension that made your skin prickle. you could feel your heartbeat quicken, a warmth blooming in your chest that you didn’t want to name. the space between you felt impossibly small, and yet, you found yourself wanting to close it.

“evan,” you started, your voice barely above a whisper.

“yeah?” his voice was soft, tentative, like he wasn’t sure if he wanted to hear what you were about to say.

you hesitated, your breath hitching as you tried to find the right words. but there were none. not for this. so, instead of speaking, you acted. your heart was hammering so hard you were sure he could hear it as you leaned forward.

time seemed to slow as you closed the gap, the world around you fading until all you could see, all you could feel, was him. your lips were a whisper away from his, the warmth of his breath mingling with yours.

but just as you were about to close the distance, he took a step back, his eyes widening in surprise.

“oh,” you breathed, the weight of what you’d just done crashing down on you. “oh my god. i–i’m so sorry. i didn’t mean–”

“wait–” evan started, his voice filled with panic, but the rush of humiliation already had you moving. your hands fumbled with his jacket, your fingers trembling as you shrugged it off and thrust it toward him.

“here,” you said, your words tumbling out in a rush. you couldn’t bear to look at him, couldn’t stand to see whatever emotion was written on his face. “thanks for… for everything. i–i’ll see you at work.”

“hang on, just let me–” he tried again, his tone urgent, but you were already turning away. your shaking hands found your keys, and you all but bolted inside, the door clicking shut behind you before he could get another word out.

the second you were safely inside, you leaned against the door, your chest heaving as you tried to calm the wave of mortification threatening to drown you. the silence of your apartment only made the memory of the last few minutes louder, every detail replaying in excruciating detail.

“what were you thinking?” you whispered to yourself, pressing the heels of your hands against your burning face. the warmth of his breath, the way he’d looked at you, the moment he’d pulled away. it all swirled in your mind, a chaotic mess of embarrassment and regret.

you slid down to the floor, wrapping your arms around your knees as the weight of it all pressed down on you. you’d ruined it. whatever you and evan had, it was over now. there was no coming back from this.

and yet, as you sat there in the quiet of your apartment, part of you couldn’t help but wonder. if he’d pulled away… why had he leaned in so close in the first place?

the next morning, you woke up with a pit in your stomach, the memory of last night replaying in excruciating detail. every glance, every word, every fleeting touch seemed magnified in your mind, and no amount of tossing and turning had been able to shake the heat rising to your cheeks.

you could barely bring yourself to look in the mirror as you got ready for work.

by the time you pulled into the firehouse parking lot, you’d come up with a plan. a simple, effective strategy to survive the day. avoid evan at all costs. it wasn’t exactly foolproof, but you figured if you kept your head down and stayed busy, you could process everything later without risking further humiliation.

but as soon as you stepped inside, your plan crumbled.

evan was waiting for you.

he was leaning casually against the wall near the entrance, his arms crossed, but the second he saw you, he straightened up, stepping directly into your path before you had a chance to slip by unnoticed.

“hey,” he greeted, his tone neutral but his eyes searching your face like he was looking for answers.

your breath hitched, your carefully rehearsed avoidance strategy vanishing in an instant. “hey,” you replied, keeping your voice light and cautious, deliberately avoiding his gaze as you tried to sidestep him.

“can we talk?” evan asked, his tone softer now, almost hesitant.

the question sent a fresh wave of panic through you. you shook your head quickly, brushing past him as if escaping the conversation would erase it altogether. “there’s nothing to talk about,” you said, your words tumbling out in a rush. “let’s just forget it happened, okay?”

evan’s brow furrowed, and you could feel his presence close behind you as you hurried toward the lockers. “no,” he said firmly, his voice low but unyielding. “i don’t want to forget it.”

his words stopped you in your tracks, the weight of them sinking in before you could take another step. your heart raced as you slowly turned to face him, your eyes wide and guarded. “what are you talking about?” you questioned him.

evan’s jaw tightened as if he were struggling to find the right words, and for a moment, he looked almost vulnerable. “last night,” he began, his voice softer now. “it wasn’t–it didn’t mean nothing to me. and i don’t think it did to you either.”

your chest tightened, a thousand thoughts swirling in your head, each one more chaotic than the last. but before you could respond, a voice cut through the tension.

“buck! we need you up here, now!”

bobby's voice rang out from across the room.

evan’s head snapped toward the sound, his expression flickering with frustration as he glanced back at you. he looked torn, his eyes darting between you and the source of bobby’s call.

for a second, it seemed like he might ignore the summons entirely, but the urgency in bobby’s tone made the decision for him.

“don’t go anywhere,” evan said, pointing at you with a look so pleading it made your stomach flip. “we’re finishing this conversation.”

you didn’t answer, your throat too tight to speak as you watched him jog up the stairs. the air seemed to settle heavily around you in his absence.

this wasn’t over. not by a long shot. and judging by the look in evan’s eyes, it wasn’t something you’d be able to run from, no matter how much you tried.

you managed to avoid him for most of the day, staying busy with your own tasks and sticking close to others whenever you were in common spaces. but you couldn’t dodge him forever.

later that evening, as the firehouse settled into its quieter rhythm, evan cornered you in the kitchen while you were refilling your water bottle.

“seriously?” he said, blocking your exit with an exasperated look. “you’ve been dodging me all day.”

“i’ve been working,” you said defensively, avoiding his gaze.

“you know that’s not what i mean,” he said, his tone softening. “we need to talk about last night.”

“no, we don’t,” you said quickly, gripping the edge of the counter. “it was a mistake, buck. let’s just move on.”

his brows furrowed, and he stepped closer. “it wasn’t a mistake. not for me, at least.”

your breath caught in your throat as his words hung in the air.

“look,” he continued, his voice low and earnest. “i know i messed up last night. i didn’t mean to make you feel… embarrassed or rejected. i was just surprised, okay? i wasn’t expecting you to–” he stopped, running a hand through his hair. “i wasn’t expecting you to feel that way about me.”

you stared at him, your pulse pounding in your ears. “well, i don’t,” you said weakly, even though the lie sounded hollow to your own ears.

evan gave you a look. a knowing, disbelieving look that made you embarrassed. “you’re a terrible liar,” he said softly, stepping closer.

“buck, don’t–” you started, but your voice faltered when he reached out, his hand brushing yours where it rested on the counter.

“i’m not trying to make this harder,” he said, his tone gentle. “i just… i need you to know that last night wasn’t one sided. i didn’t pull away because i didn’t want to kiss you. i pulled away because i panicked. you caught me off guard.”

you blinked at him, your mind racing as you tried to process his words. “you… panicked?”

“yeah,” he said, a sheepish smile tugging at his lips. “i’ve been trying to figure out how to tell you how i feel for weeks, and then you just… did it. you were brave, and i froze.” he hesitated, his voice dropping lower. “i didn’t mean to hurt you. that’s the last thing i wanted.”

the honesty in his voice left you momentarily speechless.

“you really hurt me, buck,” you finally admitted, your voice shaking slightly. “you pulled away like... like i was wrong to even try.”

his face fell, and he stepped closer, “i know,” he said quietly. “i’m so sorry. you didn’t deserve that. you didn’t deserve to feel like you were wrong, because you weren’t.”

his hand finally brushed against yours, tentative but warm, and your resolve faltered.

“i don’t know if i can...” you trailed off, the words tangled in your throat.

“hey,” he said softly, dipping his head slightly to catch your gaze. “i’m not asking you to forgive me all at once. i just... i need you to know that i feel the same way. i’ve felt this way for a long time.”

the weight of his confession left you momentarily speechless. he took another small step closer.

“i should’ve told you sooner,” he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper now. “i should’ve been braver.”

you let out a shaky breath, your walls crumbling under the warmth in his gaze. “i want to believe you,” you said softly.

“then let me show you,” he said, his tone tender but sure. his fingers curled lightly around yours, his touch slow and careful, like he was giving you every chance to pull away. “if you’ll let me.”

your heart pounded as he leaned in slightly, his movements deliberate and unhurried. you hesitated for a moment, the echo of last night’s hurt still fresh.

“buck...” you started, your voice barely a whisper.

“tell me to stop,” he said, his lips only inches from yours now. “if you don’t want this, tell me to stop, and i will.”

you didn’t tell him to stop.

instead, you closed the gap, your lips meeting his in a kiss that was tentative at first, testing the waters. evan let out a quiet, relieved sound, his hand sliding to your waist as he deepened the kiss, his movements slow and deliberate, like he was savouring every moment.

when you finally pulled back, your forehead resting against his, you were both breathing hard, the air between you charged with unspoken promises.

“i’m still mad at you,” you murmured, though there was no heat in your voice.

“i know,” he said, his lips curving into a small, lopsided smile. “i’ll make it up to you. i promise.”

you let out a soft laugh despite yourself, 

the warmth of his presence melting the last traces of doubt.

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